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

Owen Lovejoy Home

Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2011

1. Owen Lovejoy Home Marker

Inscription. This two-story frame structure was the home of abolitionist Owen Lovejoy, who was born in Maine in 1811. Lovejoy moved into the house in 1838, when he became a Congregationalist minister. He was leader in the formation of the Republican Party in Illinois, and he served as a representative in the state legislature, 1855-1857, and in the United States Congress from 1857 until his death in 1864. His home was well known as a shelter for runaway slaves. Owen was a younger brother of Elijah Lovejoy, abolitionist editor, who was killed by a mob at Alton in 1837.

Erected 1972 by Erected by the committee for the restoration of the Owen Lovejoy Home and the Illinois State Historical Society, 1972.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.

Location. 41° 22.311′ N, 89° 26.942′ W. Marker is in Princeton, Illinois, in Bureau County. Marker is on East Peru Street (U.S. 6), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Princeton IL 61356, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 15 miles

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of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Enos and Elizabeth Mercer Matson / Peter and Jane Dawson Matson (approx. 3.6 miles away); In Memory of Henry Thomas (approx. 7 miles away); Wyanet Soldier's Memorial (approx. 7 miles away); The Hennepin Canal (approx. 8.2 miles away); Isam W. Seaton (1823-1903) and James H. Seaton (1828-1913) (approx. 9 miles away); John Wesley Powell / 30-Pounder Parrott Rifle (approx. 9.9 miles away); Lone Tree School (approx. 13.1 miles away); Walnut Veterans Memorial Park (approx. 14.9 miles away).

Also see . . . Owen Lovejoy. "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774 - Present" entry (Submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2011

2. Owen Lovejoy Home Marker

Owen Lovejoy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bdusc, Unknown

3. Owen Lovejoy

Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2011

4. Owen Lovejoy Home Marker

The Historic Lovejoy Homestead restoration completed 1972. Owned and operated by City of Princeton, Illnois. Board of Trustees, Clifford S. Leonard, Karl G. Lapinska, Robert I. Zearing, Karl M. Nelson M.D., Ex officio Roland H. Eckdahl, mayor.

Colton School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2011

5. Colton School

1850-The Red Brick School-1972 Known as the Colton School 1849 land grant by Chauncey Colton-three directors-elected-school constructed 1850-first session 1850-walls 12” thick-cedar shingles-heated by pot bellied stove-outside dimensions 22’x26’- moved 1 ½ miles from John Nelson Farm to it present location in 1971. Restored 1972. Owned by City of Princeton.

Inside the Colton School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Charles T. Harrell, June 27, 2011

6. Inside the Colton School

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,211 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 8, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.