State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) on Saturday, presented House Resolution 338 to the Chairman of the Lawrence County Board and the Lawrence County Historical Society to express the esteem and respect of the Illinois House of Representatives on this milestone on 2021.
“Lawrence County has a rich history from being the place where Abraham Lincoln and his family crossed into Illinois when they migrated here, to being an economic force for our area in the agriculture and the energy sectors,” commented said Rep. Adam Niemerg. “And let’s not forget the great tradition of Lawrenceville Indians basketball!”
Lawrence County was formed on January 16, 1821 out of land from Crawford and Edwards Counties. It was named for Captain James Lawrence who was killed in action during the War of 1812 while commanding the frigate ship USS Chesapeake and who is especially remembered for giving his men the famous last order "Don't Give Up the Ship.”
The two hundred-year history of Lawrence County includes the George Rogers Clark march during the American Revolution across the land that would eventually become Lawrence County. Native American Shawnee Chief Tecumseh is recorded as having traveled through the forests of Lawrence County and future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln at age 21 and his family migrated to Illinois crossing over the Wabash River into Lawrence County.
Not only was Lawrence County settled by French, Scottish, and Irish immigrants, according to the resolution, but historical records indicate that shortly after 1800, John Morris, a free Black man, traveled to Lawrence County with the Samuel Allison family and became one of the inhabitants of Fort Allison, located at the present site of Russellville.
“The first volunteer recruits requested by President Abraham Lincoln for Civil War service came from Lawrence County,” added Rep. Adam Niemerg, a graduate of history at Eastern Illinois University. “I encourage everyone to take some time learn about the history of your community and your family and you’ll be surprised about the interesting facts of our great state.”
You may read the full text of House Resolution 338 at www.ilga.gov and learn more from the Lawrence County Historical Society at: www.lawrencelore.org.
