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Lincoln: from circuit-riding lawyer to president

For 23 years, Abraham Lincoln rode Central Illinois' Eighth Judicial Circuit, building his law practice and his political base through his relationships with the circuit lawyers and their judge, David Davis.

A team of lawyers, led by Davis, gained the Republican nomination for Lincoln at the convention in Chicago in May 1860. The split of the Democratic Party made the nomination tantamount to election. The circuit, with its leaders and its lawyers, was truly Lincoln's "ladder to the presidency."

In honor of President Lincoln and in celebration of Presidents Day, the Elmhurst Historical Museum presents an in-depth seminar titled "Lincoln on the Eighth Judicial Circuit" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. The Lincoln seminar will feature Guy Fraker, a Bloomington attorney who has made an avocation of following in Lincoln's footsteps during Abe's two decades as a circuit-riding lawyer in downstate Illinois.

Fraker is the author of "Lincoln's Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit," and he has presented numerous programs throughout the state on Lincoln's legal career and political climb.

The seminar will be in Elmhurst Historical Museum's Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave. The cost is $25 for members of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and $30 for nonmembers. Lunch and coffee will be provided.

For reservations and more information, visit www.elmhursthistory.org (in the Adult Programs section) or call (630) 833-1457.

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