Shelby Moore Cullom Correspondence and Other Materials, 1859-1912 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents:

This collection contains one engraved portrait of Shelby Cullom and ten documents, mainly correspondence from the early 20th century, written by Cullom. These documents include a check made out to himself, an affidavit regarding foreclosure of mortgage in the Circuit Court of Chancery, short letters written on United States Senate letterhead to various friends and colleagues, and other short letters discussing politics written by Cullom.

Biographical/Historical Context:

Shelby Moore Cullom (1829-1914) began his political career as Springfield's City Attorney in 1855. Throughout his career Cullom served as a presidential elector, member of both the U.S. and Illinois House of Representatives, and delegate to multiple Republican National Conventions. He also served as Illinois's eighteenth Governor from 1875 to 1883. Cullom resigned from the Governor's office in 1883 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1913. He died in Washington D.C. on January 28, 1914.

Acquisition Source: The Library purchased this collection in 2017 with the support of the Bruce C. Creamer Fund.