Politics in the Neighborhood
Just Imagine!
On August 8, 1860, an exuberant political rally parade passed by the Lincoln home, including:
180 train cars of Lincoln supporters
28 oxen pulling a mammoth wagon
21 Wide Awake Clubs (groups of young pro-Lincoln men)
10 decorated caravans of ladies
1 full rigged schooner with sailors
1 huge wagon, pulled by 6 horses, with power loom manufacturing jean cloth.On this day of fireworks, floats, and thousands of on-lookers, Lincoln asked supporters to "kindly let me be silent." Throughout the election, Lincoln's Democratic rival Stephen A. Douglas, actively campaigned, while Lincoln followed tradition and let others represent him, including friend and neighbor, Jesse Dubois.A Good Neighbor, Friend, and Supporter
Jesse K. Dubois served with Lincoln in the Illinois House of Representatives; welcomed Lincoln's help in his 1856 bid for state auditor, and often campaigned for Lincoln in return.While working for Lincoln's senate campaign in 1854, he voiced the thought others may have shared = "I am for you against the world." Dubois served as a pallbearer at Lincoln's funeral in 1865.
Marker is on 8th Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
