Clinton in DeWitt County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Humorous Moments
Looking for Lincoln
Barnett Tavern, owned and operated by Alvin and Rebecca Barnett, stood at 200 South Center Street. The two-story home was a stopping-place for weary travelers, circuit lawyers, and judges journeying across the Illinois prairie. When in Clinton, Lincoln and his associates were often guests. Lincoln once jokingly commented on Mrs. Barnett’s custard. Having overheard, she never served him custard again.
One day, a farm boy sat on the ‘rascal bench’ outside the Barnett Tavern. On horseback, Lincoln approached the inn and inquired about accommodation. A mischievous boy hurried over to kindly greet Lincoln and offered to get the innkeeper, but he warned Lincoln that the man was nearly deaf. So, as a courtesy, Lincoln would have to speak up when he brought the innkeeper out. When the boy returned with the proprietor, Lincoln greeted Mr. Barnett loudly. In turn, Barnett also spoke in a loud voice, for the boy had told Barnett that Lincoln was hard of hearing. Thus, the conversation continued until Lincoln asked Barnett whey he was hollering and informed him that he was not deaf. The innkeeper replied that he was not hard of hearing, either. It was not until then that the two men realized the boy had fooled them, and they shared a good laugh. The farm boy who witnessed the prank shared the story many years later, saying he himself laughed every time he thought of it.
Wilson Allen was suing the Illinois Central Railroad for “cutting a ditch causing water to back up on Allen’s [rural] property.” Lincoln was defending the railroad. Knowing Allen was in town, Lincoln took the opportunity of Allen’s absence from home and investigated. Lincoln walked to Allen’s residence and observed water being carried from the ditch and Mrs. Allen doing laundry in the same. Lincoln then approached and asked for a drink of water, which Mrs. Allen drew from the ditch, apologizing that the well was dry. She explained that they were also hauling the water for their livestock. Lincoln returned to the Hill residence where he was lodging and invited George Hill to court saying, “...come to town, I have something rich this afternoon.” Lincoln put on quite a show, proving the ditch to be a blessing.
Erected 2009 by Clinton Wal-Mart, Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists.
Location. 40° 9.113′ N, 88° 57.624′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Illinois, in DeWitt County. Marker is on South Center Street north of Adams Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clinton IL 61727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Friends and Foes (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (within shouting distance of this marker); DeWitt County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln at Work and Play (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “You can fool all the people part of the time …” (about 400 feet away); Lincoln and The Law (about 700 feet away); Warner's Memories / Lawyers and Book Lovers (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.
Also see . . .
1. Looking for Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area website entry:
Many resources for tracking of Lincoln through History and Illinois, for all ages. (Submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
2. Looking for Lincoln Video - on P. B. S. Follow Henry Louis Gates, Jr. "...from Illinois, to Gettysburg, to Washington, D. C., and face to face with people who live with Lincoln every day..." (Submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,449 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 4. submitted on June 15, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.