Humorous Moments, Looking for Lincoln - Clinton, IL - Illinois Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Thanks to the THE HISTORICAL MARKER DATABASE entry at
(visit link)
for transcribing the inscription:
"Barnett Tavern, owned and operated by Alvin and Rebecca Barnett, stood at 200 South Center Street. The two-story home was a stopping-place for weary travelers, circuit lawyers, and judges journeying across the Illinois prairie. When in Clinton, Lincoln and his associates were often guests. Lincoln once jokingly commented on Mrs. Barnett’s custard. Having overheard, she never served him custard again.

One day, a farm boy sat on the ‘rascal bench’ outside the Barnett Tavern. On horseback, Lincoln approached the inn and inquired about accommodation. A mischievous boy hurried over to kindly greet Lincoln and offered to get the innkeeper, but he warned Lincoln that the man was nearly deaf. So, as a courtesy, Lincoln would have to speak up when he brought the innkeeper out. When the boy returned with the proprietor, Lincoln greeted Mr. Barnett loudly. In turn, Barnett also spoke in a loud voice, for the boy had told Barnett that Lincoln was hard of hearing. Thus, the conversation continued until Lincoln asked Barnett whey he was hollering and informed him that he was not deaf. The innkeeper replied that he was not hard of hearing, either. It was not until then that the two men realized the boy had fooled them, and they shared a good laugh. The farm boy who witnessed the prank shared the story many years later, saying he himself laughed every time he thought of it."

There is more to read when you visit the marker.

The Looking for Lincoln series comprises a total of 220 of these exhibits in 47 Illinois communities to help them more vividly tell their own unique Lincoln story. There are nine of these in Clinton.

County: DeWitt Historical Society: Clinton Wal-Mart, Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County. Dedication Date: 2009 Location: The marker resides on S. Center St. just south of the Lincoln Square, which is dedicated to Lincoln and features numerous other Lincoln related markers. The square was formerly called the City Courthouse lawn. Website: [Web Link]

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