Letter from J. O. Skiller to "Kitt," 1858

01

Artifact Overview

This letter records the first American public demonstration of a steam plow at the Illinois State Fair in 1858, by Joseph W. Fawkes, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The writer notes with enthusiasm that it "will Brake Prairie & old ground in the best manner". He also notes the Senate campaign between Abraham Lincoln and Steven Douglas.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Letter (Correspondence)

Date Made

17 October 1858

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

39.7.1

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Handwriting

Dimensions

Height: 9.625 in
Width: 7.5 in

Inscriptions

On front of letter: Cheney Grove McLean County Ill/ Oct 17 1858/ Friend Kitt/ It is with pleasure I take this opportunity to inform you that I read yours last mail...