Knox Township in Knoxville in Knox County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John G. Sanburn

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

1. John G. Sanburn Marker

Inscription. “Moved his stock of goods here in the spring of 1832.” This original log cabin also housed the first post office in Knoxville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 40° 54.496′ N, 90° 17.023′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Illinois, in Knox County. It is in Knox Township. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 150) and East Public Square, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Knoxville IL 61448, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Indian Trails (a few steps from this marker); Knoxville Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Old Courthouse” (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Knox Township World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Hall of Records (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Jail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 614 East South Street (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Regarding John G. Sanburn. Besides opening Knoxville's first general store and being its

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first postmaster, Sanburn also was the first county clerk (1830-37); first clerk of the circuit court (1830-45); first recorder; first probate judge; and one of Knoxville's first trustees when it incorporated in 1836. He also built the first jail in Knoxville (1832) for $244.75. He later served on Knox College's board of trustees, and briefly acted as the college's president following the death of its previous administrator. Sanburn died on April 15, 1865 – the same day Abraham Lincoln succumbed to his injuries from John Wilkes Booth's bullet.

Also see . . . John Sanburn Log Cabin. The cabin was discovered in October 1963 when a house was being demolished. The butternut timbers, squared and put together with clay and hay, were uncovered when the siding was removed. The cabin had served as the kitchen of the home. (Knox County Historical Sites, Inc.) (Submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

2. John G. Sanburn Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.