Clinton in DeWitt County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Friends To The End
Looking for Lincoln
During the twenty years Abraham Lincoln attended the DeWitt County Court on the Eighth Judicial Circuit, he and Clifton H. Moore, Clinton’s first resident attorney, developed a deep friendship as well as a mutual law practice.
The two men shared many similarities, each achieving his law degree through diligent independent study rather than university education. Both had abilities for surveying land. Lincoln used his skills in New Salem days; Moore used his knowledge in the purchase of large tracts of farmland.
Both had a great appreciation for books, Moore acquiring the largest private library in downstate Illinois. Lincoln, also an avid reader, despite his limited one-year classroom education, had a great thirst for knowledge and often perused a book during his long, bumpy circuit rides. But Moore preferred the comforts of home, restricting his practice to Clinton and the vicinity.
Lincoln thrived on circuit life, making many friends who helped further his political ambitions. When the Republican Party chose Lincoln for President, Moore was a major supporter.
Bottom Section
The shocking and sad news of Lincoln’s assassination prompted the congregation of the Clinton Presbyterian Church to hold services of mourning on April 17, 1865. Rev. A. J. Clark gave a sermon followed by an eloquent eulogy delivered by Clifton H. Moore.
“The Clinton Public” reported that his speech “paid a just tribute to the noble dead, counseled moderation on the part of the people and built up the hopes of all loyal hearts.” Perhaps Moore’s most meaningful statements concerning Lincoln were, “In him, next to God, we trusted. Trusted in his honesty, that was never tarnished . . . trusted in his mercy . . . . Above all, we trusted him because he had power and had not abused it.”
A steady knell of all the church bells followed their services, accentuating the grief felt by all.
Erected 2008 by DeWitt County Museum Association, Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Education • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 17, 1865.
Location. 40° 9.603′ N, 88° 57.528′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Illinois, in DeWitt County. Marker can be reached from East Woodlawn Street east of North Monroe Street, on the left when traveling east. located to the left as you enter the gates of the DeWitt County Museum, which was/is "The C. H. Moore Homestead". Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 East Woodlawn Street, Clinton IL 61727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. War on the Horizon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln's Hat (approx. 0.3 miles away); Warner's Memories / Lawyers and Book Lovers (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln and The Law (approx. 0.4 miles away); “You can fool all the people part of the time . . .” (approx. half a mile away); Lincoln at Work and Play (approx. half a mile away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. half a mile away); DeWitt County War Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.
Also see . . .
1. C. H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum. Museum website homepage:
This web-site is a treasure chest of many excellent hot-buttons including a 3-D photo of the C. H. Moore - Unique Library. Check them all out! ! (Submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
2. Looking for Lincoln Video - on P. B. S. Follow Henry Louis Gates, Jr. "...from Illinois, to Gettysburg, to Washington, D. C., and face to face with people who live with Lincoln every day..." (Submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
3. Looking for Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area website homepage:
Many resources for tracking of Lincoln through History and Illinois, for all ages. (Submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,986 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 7. submitted on June 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on November 9, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.