President Andrew Johnson Hooted During Train Stop in Bunker Hill - 1866

Photo: Big Four Depot

President Andrew Johnson Hooted During Train Stop in Bunker Hill

 Bunker Hill Gazette - Sept. 14, 1866

Quite a large collection of people were at the depot on the arrival of the special train at 9:40 on Monday morning.  Bunker Hill, true to her instincts and past record, offered no insult to Mr. Johnson, and only showed their abhorrence of him by their prolonged cheers for Grant and Farragut.

The President of the United States was introduced by John Hogan; three cheers were given, which Johnson acknowledged by taking off his hat, and he was about to give us a speech when a gentleman proposed three cheers for Admiral Farragut, and three cheers for Congress.  They were given separately, and with a will.  Mr. Johnson again attempted to speak, but the cries for Grant compelled him to forego.

Capt. Carlyle presented Mr. Johnson with a basket of fruit, and also a very neat bouquet.

Mr. Hogan proposed three cheers for the Thirty-Six States, which were given, and then someone fired a pistol in the crowd, which disturbed the nerves of the party.

The train moved off, and as far as the eye could reach, the humble individual with hat in hand, was bowing to the right and left.  Poor Johnson!  We sympathize with Grant and Farragut in their forced company.

...Read more about this and other Bunker Hill, IL historical stories at https://bunkerhillhistory.org/

--Cite this story: Redford, Carol, and Betty Triplett. "City Growth." In Reflections: A History of the Bunker Hill-Woodburn Area, 35. Bunker Hill: Bunker Hill Publications, 1993. Provided by the Bunker Hill IL Historical Society.