The History of Joliet – Chapter 16 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Stephen A. Douglas, the Illinois senator who squared off against Abraham Lincoln in the famed debate of 1858, was often seen in Joliet seeking political advice from newspaper editor Calneh Zarley. By John WHITESIDE … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 5 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo MATTESON once was the most influential man in town Matteson, a Democrat, avoided the slavery dilemma. By taking the middle ground on this controversial issue, he became an enemy of Abraham Lincoln. By John … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 9 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The article that was published on Oct. 14, 1856, referred several times to LINCOLN as “that black Republican.” Some local historians believe, however, that the speech he made in Joliet may have included the … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 12 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Nothing was talked of or thought of but war … By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News When the Confederate cannons fired at Fort Sumter, Joliet quickly became a city filled with a patriotic … Read more