The Civil War was declared officially over on April 9, 1865. After four years of terrible bloodshed and the deaths of 620,000 Americans, celebrations were going on throughout Washington, D.C., and the north. Of course, many of those supportive of the Confederate cause loathed President Abraham Lincoln, which was reflected in the obsessions of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators who were plotting the murders not only of Lincoln but other government leaders as well.
Five days later, on April 14, 1865, Good Friday, the nation was shocked at the assassination of the President who had worked so hard to preserve the United States.
Illinois is the Land of Lincoln. Although born in Kentucky, Lincoln grew to manhood in Illinois, teaching himself about law and starting a law practice in Springfield. He often came to Chicago, both for law and for politics. He rose to prominence in this state, culminating in his election as President. After he was killed, he was brought home to be buried here.
The Ridge has strong connections to Lincoln, which we will explore in several posts.
Ebenezer Peck (1805-1881) was a well-known consultant to Lincoln. He was a very powerful man in Chicago, a lawyer and an elected legislator, serving in both the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House. Lincoln often called upon Peck for advice. Peck was part of the delegation that informed Lincoln he was nominated for the Presidency. Lincoln met at Peck’s house following the election to plan his cabinet appointments. Peck accompanied President-elect Lincoln in his private train when Lincoln left Springfield for Washington, D. C. Peck made at least three visits to D. C. during Lincoln’s first term. Peck went to the White House in the summer of 1864 and told Lincoln: “Your reelection is necessary to save the Union, and no man must stand in the way of that success.“
Ebenezer Peck had a magnificent home just northwest of what is now 95th St. and Western Ave. It was one of the earliest houses on the Ridge, but destroyed by fire before 1844. He later lived in the Lake View area.