Princeton in Bureau County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

In Memory of Henry Thomas and Family

1800-1843

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 6, 2026

1. In Memory of Henry Thomas and Family Marker

Inscription. First permanent white settlers in Bureau County
May 5, 1828
First farmer, plowing first furrow
June 10, 1828
Parents of first white child born within county
Jan.15, 1830
First County Postmaster - 1831
Henry Thomas Home served as Fort Thomas during Black Hawk War, 1832. Served with Stillman's Army

Erected 1978 by the City of Princeton, Lovejoy Board of Trustees, and Glen & Vera Fletcher.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Communications • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1828.

Location. 41° 22.331′ N, 89° 26.895′ W. Marker is in Princeton, Illinois, in Bureau County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Peru Street (U.S. 6) and 8th Street, on the left when traveling east. This marker stands on the north side of the Owen Lovejoy Home property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 905 E Peru St, Princeton IL 61356, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois

and specifically in the Illinois River Valley.

It is also

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in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1850 • The Red Brick School • 1972 (within shouting distance of this marker); Owen Lovejoy Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Owen G. Lovejoy Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Flags of Freedom (approx. 0.9 miles away); Owen Lovejoy (approx. 0.9 miles away); 601 S. Main St. (approx. 0.9 miles away); Richard L. “Dick” Nelson (approx. 0.9 miles away); 605 S. Main St. (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 6, 2026

2. In Memory of Henry Thomas and Family Marker

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 6, 2026

3. In Memory of Henry Thomas and Family Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.