LIncoln Douglas Debates and the Rogers Family

Celia Rogers (1862-1947) wife of Frank Welty (1858-1929) lived with her sister Isabel Young (1860-1952) in Escondido, California after Frank passed away. 

Celia's diary entry, pasted below, was based on a story that Isabel told her. Isabel heard the story from her own Great Grandfather about how he drove the wagon for Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in the famous debates in 1858.

We have yet to discover the name of this Great Grandfather, but the story is truly a family treasure.  

Description of Lincoln in contrast to Judge Douglas. 

Great Grandfathers description of Douglas told to Aunt Isabel.

Cocky. Sawed off little son of a gun. Rather talk than eat. Talked pretty good too. Dressed much better than Mr. Lincoln. But Mr. L could get him so tangled up. Especially about the slavery question. And Missouri compromise.

They would get pretty hot under the collar sometimes when the debates were going on. But just as soon as they climbed in the back seat of my Conestoga wagon, they would start laughing and joshing each other.

Incident of Grandfather meeting Lincoln.

He had gone to Freeport for groceries and supplies. Tied team to a hitching post in front of the hotel. When he went back to the wagon, Mr. Lincoln was standing there petting and admiring his horses. Told grandpa about the proposed debating trip and asked him how he would like to drive for them. Grandpa said he thought it could be arranged, and Mr. Lincoln asked him to set a price. He asked $3 a day plus food and lodging for himself and horses.

His horses, a perfectly matched Bay team bought from a breeder near Mintonville, Kentucky.

The fact about Grandpa Rogers were, although ostensibly, a farmer. He left most of the farming to his four sons and spent about 2/3 of his time in doing what was to him, far more interesting pursuits. Some of these. Horse buying, horse trading, horse racing and horses. And talking Republican politics.

Great grandfather drove for them for three weeks. Towns where debates were held. Freeport. Jonesboro. Charleston. Galesburg. Quincy and Alton, IL. and Ottawa. As the two men moved from one town to the other it became apparent to all, both the strength and weaknesses of the contrasting philosophies. The Illinois Valley had become aa forum of freedom in which important issues were given a preliminary test.