Digitized Content from the Gustav Koerner Papers | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

The digitized content of the Gustave Koerner Papers consists of printed and hand-written speeches given by Koerner during his time as a democrat in the Illinois Legislature from 1842-1844. Also included is a signed cabinet card photograph of Koerner.

A native of Gemany, Gustave [also spelled "Gustav"] Koerner (1809-1896) moved to St. Clair County, Illinois in 1833. He became an influential state and national political figure, especially amongst the German American settlers of St. Clair. Koerner became a member of the Illinois General Assembly in 1842, and later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (1853-1857).

This collection contains items relating to Koerner's years in the Illinois legislature (1842-1844), including two printed copies of his July 5, 1842 speech voicing support of the Illinois Michigan Canal Bill; a handwritten speech on the nature of the current government, the National Bank, the depreciation of money, and anti-Van Buren views; and a cabinet card photograph of Koerner with his signature.

The Gustave Koerner Papers was partially digitized in 2019. Items are available online at the University of Illinois Digital Library. A preservation copy of the items is available to IHLC and digital preservation staff at the Library Digital Repository: https://medusa.library.illinois.edu/collections/1446