The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
LINCOLN & DOUGLAS: Both Lincoln and Douglas when attending to legal matters stayed at the Pioneer Hotel in Oquawka.
Lincoln took this opportunity to visit S. S Phelps, an old friend and founder of the town. In the senatorial campaign of 1858 both Lincoln and Douglas found time between their joint debates to speak there.
The fifth debate had been held in Galesburg on Oct.7, 1858 and on the preceding Monday, Oct.4th, Douglas spoke in town.
Lincoln spoke the Saturday after the debate.
1911 History of Henderson County