Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Elijah Parish Lovejoy
Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 3, 2019
1. Elijah Parish Lovejoy Marker
Elijah Parish Lovejoy was the first pastor of Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, now College Avenue Presbyterian Church. A minister, teacher, newspaper editor, and martyr to free speech and the abolition of slavery, he was fatally shot on Nov. 7, 1837, defending his printing press from an angry pro-slavery mob. His death attracted national attention, including that of young lawyer Abraham Lincoln, who two months later spoke against "mob law" as contrary to the "fabric of freedom." In 1863, twenty-two years later, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in the presence of Elijah's brother, Owen, a senator from Illinois.Erected 2012 by College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 7, 1837.
Location. 38°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. College Avenue Presbyterian Church (here, next to this marker); College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Old Rock House (within shouting distance of this marker); John Mason Peck (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Pershing Wadlow (approx. 0.2 miles away); A National Cemetery System (approx. 1.3 miles away); Alton National Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Cost of Freedom (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Elijah Parish Lovejoy (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.
More about this marker. According to the ILHS's website, the marker was dedicated on November 11, 2012.
Also see . . .
1. Elijah Parish Lovejoy on Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 4, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Alton Observer, Nov. 7, 1837. This is a reprinted article on the final moments of Elijah Lovejoy. (Submitted on November 4, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 3, 2019
2. College Avenue Presbyterian Church
Marker is seen on the right (in front of trees)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
