The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
CARTHAGE… In a move aimed at preserving a significant piece of local history, the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office has joined forces with the State Archives to restore a pivotal court case dating back to 1838.
The collaboration was announced on May 2nd, as a team from the State Archives, led by Dave Joens, Director of the Archives Division at the Secretary of State, made their way from Springfield to Carthage.
The initiative was spurred by an inquiry from Keara Weber, Hancock County Circuit Clerk, ahead of the Hancock County Historical Society's presentation titled "From Courthouse to Campaigns: Lincoln's Footprints in Hancock County and His Enduring Legacy."
Weber reached out to the State Archives regarding the case of William Fraim from 1838 (People v. Wm Fraim), a trial in which Abraham Lincoln served as defense counsel, marking his second murder case in Hancock County.
However, upon retrieving the 186-year-old case file, Weber was disheartened to find it in a state of disrepair. Determined to salvage this historical artifact, the State Archives swiftly stepped in, expressing eagerness to undertake the restoration project.
"The trial of William Fraim holds immense significance in our local history, and it's imperative that we preserve it for future generations," remarked Weber.
The restoration efforts will be spearheaded by the State Archives' team of conservators, including a specialist in cases requiring a trifold jacket. Their expertise will be instrumental in meticulously restoring the fragile documents to their former glory.
Once the restoration is complete, Hancock County will receive both a replica of the case and a digital version for archival purposes.
While the State Archives will safeguard the original case in their vault, along with other Abraham Lincoln memorabilia, Hancock County will retain ownership and can retrieve it at any time.
This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both the State Archives and the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the region.
"We are thrilled to be part of this endeavor to safeguard an integral piece of our local history," said Joens.
"By working together, we can ensure that the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his contributions to Hancock County endure for generations to come."
Hancock Circuit Clerk Keara Weber (left) initiates a restoration project with Dave Joens, Secretary of State Director of the Archives Division, of the historic 1838 trial records where Abraham Lincoln served as defense counsel - 186 years ago.