Near Fithian in Vermilion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District / A Friend of Lincoln
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
1. Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District Marker
The larger marker is of the style, construction, and verbage typical on the "County Seat" Lincoln Markers, which makes this placement highly unusual. The Lincoln and Thompson friendship must have had great weight to command this version of the Eighth Judicial District series of markers.
Larger Marker
Smaller Marker
John R. Thompson
1830 - 1895
A Friend of Lincoln
Erected 1921 by the Lincoln Circuit Marking Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 40° 5.062′ N, 87° 53.591′ W. Marker is near Fithian, Illinois, in Vermilion County. Marker is on Lincoln Trail Road east of County Route 200E, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2473 Lincoln Trail Road, Fithian IL 61844, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 2˝ miles away); Potawatomi Trail of Death (approx. 2˝ miles away); Abraham Lincoln Forded Stony Creek
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. All Lincoln Circuit Markers, and a few others, following Lincoln's travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District from 1847 - 1857
Additional commentary.
1. The John R. Thompson Home
The John R. Thompson Home is on the "Lincoln Trail Road" just a short distance from Danville, Illinois. Lincoln and his fellow lawyers were approximately half way around the entire Eighth Circuit travels at this point of their travels; the greatest distance east from Springfield and their homes.
One can only surmise that this was an excellent spot to enjoy a few hours or days of relaxation and the renewal of friendship. The country side is picturesquely rolling - with 'Stony Creek' near by for the possibilities of fishing
Photographed By Larry Gertner
2. Travel with Lincoln
All the HMDb Lincoln Circuit Markers, and a few others, following Lincoln's travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District from 1847 - 1857.
Climb into Lincoln’s buggy and take a trip with Lincoln and his fellow lawyers on the job traveling Illinois as Circuit Lawyers. See all the Lincoln Circuit Markers (and a surprise or two), in the order of his travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District (of Illinois) during 1847-1857. Use the “First >>” button in the upper right to see these markers in sequence, starting from Springfield.
(Submitted on October 17, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Click for more information.
Climb into Lincoln’s buggy and take a trip with Lincoln and his fellow lawyers on the job traveling Illinois as Circuit Lawyers. See all the Lincoln Circuit Markers (and a surprise or two), in the order of his travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District (of Illinois) during 1847-1857. Use the “First >>” button in the upper right to see these markers in sequence, starting from Springfield.
(Submitted on October 17, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Click for more information.
Perhaps also a fine place to meet fellow lawyers or politicians to enjoy each other's company -or- to engage in discussions. Good home cooking can not be passed by in considerations.
The Thompson Home back in the 1800's - would be a fine place to rest before entering a 'work load' in Danville.
— Submitted September 3, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.
2. Lottie Jones made a Big Announcement
On Wednesday March 22, 1922 at the afternoon session (starting at 1:30 P.M.) of Illinois' 26th Annual State Conference of the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution, held at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, Lottie Jones gave a report on the Abraham Lincoln Circuit Marker project of the Illinois D. A. R..
Lottie began by announcing: “.... It is a report of interesting accomplishment your Committee on marking the Lincoln Circuit is able to bring to you today (March 22, 1922). No longer a hope or a prophecy, we are able to announce the completion of the Lincoln Memorial in the heart of the Nation, the work of the D. A. R. of Illinois.”
“This Memorial, as you know, was begun in 1914, eight years ago, and three years later was officially made the work of the State Society. Another organization was soon found
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
3. A Friend of Lincoln Marker (smaller) Marker
In examining this marker I found it to be all "originally made", showing no sign of it being attached at a latter time. Seemingly, it was constructed as intended; recognizing the Lincoln / Thompson friendship.
In concluding - Lottie stated: “... This report would not be complete without mention of the generous and appropriate act of Mr. John R. Thompson of Chicago. His father was personal friend of Mr. Lincoln and the homestead is on the old Circuit road between Danville and Urbana. Very often Mr. Lincoln was a guest at the Thompson home. Through his sister Mrs. E. J. Boorde of Hoopeston, one of the County Directors of Vermilion County, Mr. Thompson arranged for the purchase of one of the county seat Markers and will have it placed at the farm. A memorial to the friendship of his father and the immortal Lincoln. This act might well be copied by others living along the Lincoln Circuit road. ...”
Courtesy of: “Twenty-Sixth Annual Conference Report of the Illinois D. A. R.” - - March 21, 22, & 23, 1922 Chicago, pages 89-91. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted January 12, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
4. The John R. Thompson Home - and - Marker
"The Lincoln Post Farm is the old home of the Thompson family. Here, John R. Thompson, of restaurant fame, was born in 1865. The marker pays tribute to his father and to Lincoln. (Courtesy: Vermilion County Museum - "Walking In Lincoln's Footsteps".)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,214 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 3, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 2. submitted on August 8, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
