Thornton image being sculpted; funding needed

With about $10,000 to go, Shelby County Lincoln Heritage is nearing completion of fund-raising for a bronze statue of Anthony Thornton, the first president of the Illinois State Bar Association.

The Thornton image will complement an existing sculpture of Abraham Lincoln that commemorates a political debate on slavery issues by the two men on Aug. 9, 1856, in Shelbyville.

Both statues have been created by John McClarey, who was commissioned by the Illinois State Bar Association for the Lincoln bust that was presented to the Illinois Supreme Court on Jan. 12.

Local residents have recreated the debate for several years, with the role of Thornton performed annually by attorney Whitney D. Hardy, founder of the Lincoln Heritage initiative.

In addition to the Thornton statue being fabricated in a Mount Morris foundry, the installation in front of the 127-year-old Shelby County Courthouse will include legacy plaques that recognize donors.

Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Shelby County Lincoln Heritage Inc., P.O. Box 392, Shelbyville, Ill. 62565.