Jesse W. Fell Not specified
Lawyer
November 10, 1808
Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States0
0 likes60
Updated just nowJesse W. Fell (1808-1887) was an influential American lawyer, judge, and political leader in 19th-century Illinois. Born on November 10, 1808, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Fell moved to Illinois in the early 1830s, where he quickly became involved in law, business, and civic development. His work helped shape the future of several Illinois communities, particularly Bloomington and Normal.
Fell studied law and was admitted to the bar, later serving as a county judge. Beyond his legal career, he was a committed entrepreneur and civic planner. He played a central role in founding the town of Normal, Illinois, and was instrumental in bringing the Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University) to the community, which made the area a hub for education and growth.
A dedicated political figure, Jesse W. Fell was also a close associate of Abraham Lincoln. He was among the earliest advocates for Lincoln's presidential candidacy, encouraging Lincoln to write an autobiographical sketch that was widely used in political campaigns. Fell's support and promotional efforts significantly contributed to Lincoln's rise to national prominence.
Fell's legacy endures in Illinois history as both a community builder and a political influencer. His commitment to education, development, and leadership helped transform central Illinois into a thriving region. He died on February 25, 1887, in Normal, Illinois, leaving a lasting mark on the state's political and educational landscape.
Learn more about Jesse W. Fell, their achievements, background, and career highlights - updated regularly on Khandro.net.
Latest news about Jesse W. Fell
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Illinois State University News
Illinois State Reflects on Jesse Fell's Teetotal Vision for Normal
In August 2025, Illinois State published a retrospective titled "A toast to (breaking) tradition," highlighting Jesse W. Fell's advocacy for a dry Normal, Illinois. The article notes that Fell was a teetotaler and deliberately included deed restrictions and town regulations to prohibit alcohol, reflecting his vision of a "quiet college town."
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Illinois State University News
Fell Arboretum Lives On: Illinois State Honors Jesse Fell's Tree Legacy
On April 1, 2025, Illinois State published "Trees of (college) life," which celebrates the ongoing stewardship of the Fell Arboretum. The article describes how Jesse W. Fell's original planting and vision for a "living library" of native Illinois species continues in campus landscaping, tree-care programs, and community tree planting initiatives.
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Library of Congress / Manuscripts Archive
Jesse W. Fell Papers Collection at Library of Congress Catalogued
The Library of Congress holds the Jesse W. Fell Papers, which include correspondence, land records, and writings relating to his advocacy for Abraham Lincoln's autobiographical sketch. The catalog description underscores the importance of this collection for Lincoln scholars and Illinois history researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jesse W. Fell
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Who was Jesse W. Fell?
Jesse W. Fell was an American lawyer, judge, and political figure best known for supporting Abraham Lincoln's rise and helping develop Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
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When was Jesse W. Fell born?
Jesse W. Fell was born on November 10, 1808, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States.
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When did Jesse W. Fell die?
Jesse W. Fell died on February 25, 1887, in Normal, Illinois, after a long career in law, politics, and civic development.
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What was Jesse W. Fell's occupation?
Jesse W. Fell was primarily a lawyer and judge, but he was also a community builder, land developer, and political leader in Illinois.
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What was Jesse W. Fell known for?
Jesse W. Fell was known for founding Normal, Illinois, promoting Illinois State Normal University, and helping Abraham Lincoln gain national recognition.
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Where was Jesse W. Fell from?
Jesse W. Fell was originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania, before moving to Illinois in the early 1830s.
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What role did Jesse W. Fell play in Abraham Lincoln's career?
Jesse W. Fell was an early supporter of Abraham Lincoln, encouraging him to write a biographical sketch that was widely distributed to promote his presidential campaign.
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Did Jesse W. Fell help found Illinois State University?
Yes, Jesse W. Fell was instrumental in securing the establishment of Illinois State Normal University, now Illinois State University, in Normal, Illinois.
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What cities did Jesse W. Fell help develop?
Jesse W. Fell played a central role in developing Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, fostering their growth as educational and civic centers.
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Was Jesse W. Fell involved in politics?
Yes, Jesse W. Fell was deeply involved in Illinois politics and was an important figure in the early Republican Party and Lincoln's presidential campaign.
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What impact did Jesse W. Fell have on education?
Jesse W. Fell strongly supported education, most notably by securing Illinois State Normal University for the town of Normal, which became a leading teacher-training institution.
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What is Jesse W. Fell's connection to Normal, Illinois?
Jesse W. Fell was the founder of Normal, Illinois, and played a leading role in its growth, including bringing Illinois State Normal University to the community.
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When was Jesse W. Fell born?
Born on November 10, 1808
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What is Jesse W. Fell best known for?
Jesse W. Fell is known as a Lawyer from United States.
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How old is Jesse W. Fell?
Jesse W. Fell is 78 years old.
