Guardians and Goats
Once upon a time in Lawrence County Illinois in the year 1835 Jacob Pargin was born. He was the son of Peter Pargin and Sarah Petty and in 1850, the 15- year- old teenager was living with his parents. Eventually Jacob decided that farm life wasn't exciting enough and enlisted in Captain Watts Company of the 7th Missouri infantry. Clearly, he thought marching and guard duty would be a nice change from milking cows. Jacob's brother Daniel came home disabled before Jacob was e
Lawrence Lore
Mar 63 min read
African American Veterans
Plan to attend the program “The Little Town with a Big Heart” on February 21, 2026, at 1:30pm at at Sumner’s new City Hall, 224 S. Christy Ave. Free admittance and refreshment courtesy of the city of Sumner. Presentation by George Zwilling. The Lawrence County Illinois Historical Society proudly announces the TV premiere of its documentary, "An Eagle on his Button." This film highlights the remarkable stories of African Americans from Lawrence County who served in the Ci
Lawrence Lore
Feb 198 min read
Love during the War
John Bender Sumner Biography Pvt John Sumner served in the United States Civil War. Enlisted: 20 May 1861 Regiment(s): Co. "G", 7th...
Lawrence Lore
Sep 15, 20254 min read
Recruitment of Local Soldiers of Color-Civil War
In reviewing soldiers’ Civil War records, the researchers soon discovered that many from this county enlisted in other places. That came...
Lawrence Lore
Jun 19, 20256 min read
Jesse Dubois's Suggestion
David Foote, our correspondent from Crawford County, responded to the earlier blog about Jesse Dubois. Following the Pres. Lincoln and...
Lawrence Lore
May 28, 20251 min read
“Widows, man, Widows”
A light frost was visible on Friday April 9, 1880, when the newspaper was published. Michael O’Roarke was said to have raised the best...
Lawrence Lore
Apr 9, 20255 min read
New Exhibit at Library
Thank you to the Lawrence County Library for allowing the Historical Society to place a new exhibit in their lobby. Scattered around the...
Lawrence Lore
Apr 1, 20251 min read
A Good Soldier and Citizen, A Lover of Home and Country
Joseph Henry Worstell was born on September 18, 1843, to David Johnson and Naomi (Martin) Worstell in Clermont County, Ohio. Joseph’s...
Lawrence Lore
Jan 17, 20253 min read
Military History
Are you interested in military history? Do you want to know if your ancestor served in the Civil War? Stop by our Open House and find...
Lawrence Lore
Oct 2, 20241 min read
Confederate Soldier
Prior Harvey was born in 1836 in Grainger County Tennessee to Thomas and Maria Harvey. He married Delphia Hipsher in Grainger on July 17,...
Lawrence Lore
Aug 13, 20241 min read