Willard L. King Collection, 1954 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents:

This collection includes a draft of the speech "Lincoln, the Lawyer," given by Willard King at the commemoration of Lincoln's birthday. The event was held at the University of Illinois Illini Union on February 13, 1954, and hosted by the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Psi. The speech details some of the research done by King. Part of his research was on David Davis, a Supreme Court judge and close friend of Lincoln. King speaks very highly of Lincoln's character, his prowess as a lawyer, and his wit. Along with the draft of the speech is a program for the Lincoln's Day event, listing King's speech as the fifth event of the celebration.

Biographical/Historical Context:

Willard L. King (1894-1981) was a Chicago lawyer and Lincoln scholar. He published several articles and two books, one titled Lincoln's Manager, David Davis (1960). When King died, he was working on a third book titled Lincoln, the Lawyer.

Acquisition Source: The Library acquired this collection prior to 2016.