Built circa 1847
William Grimshaw was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and came west to Pike County in 1833. He became a prominent attorney and delegate to two state constitutional conventions as a member of the Whig party. In 1847 Grimshaw authored the provision against dueling in Illinois.
William Grimshaw’s law office was in one of the front rooms of the home. Abraham Lincoln and William Grimshaw participated in several court cases together including a federal case in Chicago where Lincoln represented Grimshaw. Mr. Lincoln stayed here in 1856 when he and Lyman Trumbull were campaigning for presidential candidate John C. Fremont who was running as a Republican. Grimshaw was a state delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago which nominated his good friend Abraham Lincoln for president.
Proceed to the next house by continuing east on Perry Street to Madison Street. Turn right onto Madison and go to the traffic signal at Washington Street. Turn left on Washington, go one block to the United Community Bank Building.
