[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COLONEL BENJAMIN STEPHENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Colonel Benjamin 
Stephenson House in Edwardsville. This Sunday, July 2nd marks the 
dedication of Stephenson House and the completion of a successful 
community effort to reopen her doors to the public. The House is 186 
years old.
  The Stephenson House is on the National Register of Historic Places 
and is considered to be the oldest brick home in the county. The House 
was also a gathering place for many of Illinois' early political 
leaders. Benjamin Stephenson came to the Illinois Territory in 1809 
where he was appointed the first sheriff of Randolph County. During the 
War of 1812 he attained the rank of Colonel. Stephenson also served in 
Congress as a representative from the Illinois Territory from 1814-
1816.
  Edwardsville's Historic Preservation Committee learned in 1998 that 
they succeeded in receiving a grant to restore the historic House. 
Since that time, it has been a community effort to complete the 
restoration. The House is now restored and furnished as it would have 
been in 1820, allowing visitors to learn about Illinois in its earliest 
days. Visitors to the House are given a tour by volunteers who dress in 
period costumes, giving a glimpse into 19th century life in 
Edwardsville.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate the Stephenson House on her 
dedication. I wish the volunteers and staff at the Stephenson House all 
the best in the years to come.

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