Clinton in DeWitt County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln and The Law
Looking for Lincoln
During his twenty years on the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Abraham Lincoln tried numerous cases in the DeWitt County courthouses, including a slander case involving William Dungey. Dungey, “a dark skinned man of Portuguese descent,” married Joseph Spencer’s sister. The brothers-in-law had a dispute that became so bitter that by 1855, Spencer was making a serious accusation: “Black Bill" Dungey, as Spencer was calling him, was a “negro.”
In this time and place, if Dungey were indeed proven to have one-fourth African blood, he stood to lose his good reputation as well as his legal rights to his marriage, property ownership, his vote, and Illinois residency. Since 1819, Illinois laws permitted pseudo-slavery and discouraged free blacks from residing in the state.
Representing Dungey in April 1855, Lincoln charged Spencer with slander. The case carried over to the fall term of court and was brought before a jury. Lincoln prevailed. Spencer was found guilty and ordered to pay $600 restitution and $137.50 court costs. Lincoln charged Dungey $25 for his services and counseled Dungey to avoid an appeal.
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas were co-counsel for the defendant in DeWitt County’s first murder trial, People -vs- Spencer Turner, one of the very few times Lincoln and Douglas worked as partners. Turner was charged with causing injuries that led to the demise of Matthew Martin. Proving the deceased came to his death from lying out in the harsh elements rather than blunt force to the head, the two won their case.
Turner was acquitted in May of 1840. On September 8, 1841, Lincoln filed suit to collect his legal fee from Spencer and William Turner, who defaulted on their promissory note. Douglas was able to take his share in currency. According to local legend, Lincoln was forced to accept a horse in lieu of payment, and not long after the horse became “stone blind and perfectly worthless.”
Erected 2009 by William Davenport, Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1855.
Location. 40° 9.225′ N, 88° 57.643′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Illinois, in DeWitt County. Marker is at the intersection of North Center Street and Washington Street, on the left when traveling north on North Center Street. Located at the "DeWitt County Sheriff's Department' building. 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. “You can fool all the people part of the time …” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln at Work and Play (about 400 feet away); DeWitt County War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (about 500 feet away); Lincoln's Friends and Foes (about 600 feet away); Warner's Memories / Lawyers and Book Lovers (about 600 feet away); Lincoln's Hat (about 700 feet away); Humorous Moments (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.
Also see . . .
1. 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.)
2. Looking for Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area website homepage:
Many resources for tracking of Lincoln through History and Illinois, for all ages. (Submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,463 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 6. submitted on June 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 7, 8. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.