James Lemen Collection

Title

James Lemen Collection

Subject

Lemen, James, 1760-1823
Abolitionists
Clergy
Baptists

Description

Reverend James Lemen, Sr., was a leader in the anti-slavery movement in the Indiana Territory and Illinois, helping to shape the 1818 Illinois constitution. Lemen fought for two years in the Revolutionary War and was a protoge of Thomas Jefferson. When he moved to Illinois, he served as a Baptist minister and justice of the peace, establishing the first Baptist church in Illinois. 

Photographs in this collection include images of James Lemen's headstone and monument as well as his home.

Collection Items

James Lemen, Sr.
James Lemen, Sr. sits for a portrait wearing a suit.

James Lemen, Sr. Home
An exterior view shows the home of James Lemen, Sr. On verso: "In this home, on May 26, 1796, was organized the New Design Baptist Church, first Baptist and first Protestant church in Illinois."

James Lemen, Sr. and Catherine Ogle Lemen Gravestones
The headstones for James Lemen, Sr. and Catharine Lemen stand in a grassy burial ground enclosed by a fence.

James Lemen, Sr. Monument
The front of a monument dedicated to James Lemen, Sr. and Catharine Ogle Lemen bears the word "Faith." On verso: "Monument erected by Baptists, 1909 to James Lemen, Sr. and Katherine Ogle Lemen on Lemen Farm near Waterloo, Ill. Lemen Home in…

James Lemen, Sr. Monument Inscription
The backside of the James and Katherine Lemen monument includes an inscription which reads: "James Lemen; Born in Virginia, Nov. 20, 1760; Died in Illinois, Jan 8, 1823. A Revolutionary soldier, Indian fighter, Anti-slavery leader; Baptist minister…
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