Feb. 12, 1895 City council takes up proposal by William Armstrong that a state appropriation of $2,000 be sought to support construction of a Lovejoy monument. ". . . the newspapers of the country would make up the balance. . ."
"City Council," Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13, 1895.
March 6, 1895 A committee goes to Springfield to urge a state appropriation to support the monument.
"The Lovejoy Monument Committee," Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1895.
May 9, 1895 Senator Herb makes an "eloquent and impressive address" in support of his $25,000 Lovejoy monument appropriation bill. In parts: "Elijah Lovejoy was the forerunner of the great emancipator, the John the Baptist of the new dispensation of liberty. He led the first armed battalion that resisted with force and arms the aggression of the slave power in America, and proclaimed the right of American citizens to demand redress of their grievances and express their opinions in the public press, holding themselves amenable to the laws of their country therefore. Lovejoy died battling not alone for the rights of the slave, but for freedom of speech and of the press we now enjoy. Lovejoy and Lincoln fell in the same great cause. . . You have honored the victors in the world's greatest conflict for the uplifting of humanity; we plead for equal justice for the ill-fated leader of the vanguard of the victor's conquering host. Each gave to the cause 'the last full measure of devotion.'"
"The sacred ashes of both lie within the confines of Illinois--its most precious inheritance. Over the one as well as over the other should rise the enduring tribute of grateful remembrance. Lovejoy was killed for pointing out the evils of slavery."
"The Lovejoy Monument," Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1895.
June 5, 1895 Meeting of the Lovejoy Monument Association is held in council chamber at the request of Senator Herb, "who came down from Springfield especially to meet with the Association to lay Governor Altgeld's views before the Association." Altgeld is "very much interested" in the project, and advocates raising $25,000 beyond the state money to do the work. Herb believes that "the Governor will sign the bill, if the people of Alton took hold of the matter in an earnest manner and gave proof they mean to raise an additional fund."
"Lovejoy Monument Association," Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1895.
June 18, 1895 Editorial statement: "If the $12,000 demanded by Governor Altgeld, and promised by the directors of the Lovejoy Monument Association, before he would sign the bill, is raised it will require the united efforts of our citizens generally. The sum of $40,000 . . . will build a magnificent monument, which will be an attraction for visitors from all over the country.
no title, Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18, 1895.
March 25, 1896 Lucas Pfeiffenberger and Charles Hodlen travel to Springfield to petition for more time to raise the $12,500 local matching money.
March 26, 1896 Members of the monument committee tell Governor Altgeld that Alton citizens have secured about $5000, and that it would be impossible to raise any more. Altgeld replied to them, "I approve the plans which you have shown me, with exceptions noted. Go ahead and get bids on the monument; complete it within nine months from this time. Use the $5000 you have to run you until the State's appropriation is available, and at that time I will see that the $25,000 is placed in possession of the Monument Association." The governor also expressed his belief that a fine monument could be built for the $30,000 at their disposal.
"Governor Altgeld Consents," Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1896.
July 26, 1897 The dedication date is set for November 7, 1897, the sixtieth anniversary of Lovejoy's death.
"Lovejoy Monument Dedication," Alton Evening Telegraph, July 26, 1897.
Nov. 8, 1897 The Monument is dedicated.
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