1858 As you might have noticed, Sumner “Hawkeye” Phelps (above left) – the first white fur trader that we know by name to visit Johnson County – bears a striking resemblance to another prominent man from Illinois living in The Prairie State during this same time period. As a matter of fact, Mr. Phelps and Mr. Lincoln were quite good friends.
There’s a wonderful story from 1858 about Sumner, Honest Abe, and a pocketknife. But to read the story, you must click on the link below. How’s that for a teaser?
READ MORE ABOUT THIS IOWA STORY HERE.
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