1872

On October 21, Adlai E. Stevenson I appeared in Washington for a political speech.  Then, one of the most prominent attorneys in Illinois, Stevenson would serve as Vice-President of the United States from 1893 to 1897 under President Grover Cleveland.  He also made two unsuccessful runs at the Presidency in 1896 and 1900.

On October 31, William M. Springer arrived in Washington for a speaking engagement, running for a spot in the Illinois Assembly.  He would win and serve ten terms ending in 1895.

The death of Major Richard N. Cullom of Washington made news across the State of Illinois.

A tremendous storm hit the area in June, causing significant damage to houses, barns, bridges, and railroads.  The barn of James Wright was destroyed by lightning, taking five horses, twelve tons of hay, 1000 bushels of wheat, and his wagons and harnesses.

A man named Dr. Nichols was put on a Masonic trial in Washington in a significant event that made headlines all over.  The question was whether an atheist could be a mason.  Nichols was charged with "unmasonic conduct" and "disbelieving in the Scriptures of God."  Nichols's defense was simple; he did not deny those charges but contested the claim that Masonry requires a belief in God in the first place and that the organization has no right even to ask the question as a qualification for membership.  After a lengthy trial at the lodge, Nichols was found not guilty.

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