In 1836, pro-Slavery mobs attacked and destroyed the presses of the Alton Observer three times. The editor, Elijah Lovejoy, continued to publish the paper until November, when a fourth mob captured the press and murdered the co-founder of the IL State Antislavery Society. Elijah Lovejoy’s martyrdom rejuvenated the national antislavery movement. In the words of his brother Owen, ”I vowed on my knees before God never to forsake the cause for which his blood was sprinkled.”

In this presentation, Jane Ann Moore presents the story of Elijah and Owen Lovejoy and their tireless work through churches, newspapers, lecture tours, political parties, and other antislavery groups to establish equality for all people in the United States.

This event took place on Inaguration Day, as part of the Oak Park Public Library exhibition, Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times.  As part of the exhibit, an Abraham Lincoln Art Exhibit is on display, showcasing works by local artists, including “Intimate Friends” by Greg Phillips (at right, above) which was commissioned by Jane Ann Moore and shows Abraham Lincoln with Owen Lovejoy.

Recorded Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Oak Park Public Library.