James Lemen, senior and junior, and the early slavery controversy in Illinois

This study is the result of a desire on the part or the author to trace the anti-slavery movement in early Illinois leading toward the formation and retention of a tree state constitution. The subject is of particular interest to her because of the active part taken in that movement by her great-great-great grandfather, James Lemen, Sr., who was a vigorous anti-slavery leader. Grateful acknowledgment is made to Dr. Jonas Viles for his suggestions and criticism of this work, to the Staffs of the Chicago Historical Society, Illinois State Historical Library, State Historical Society or Missouri, Extension Division of the Illinois State Library, Mercantile Library of St. Louis, and to the Shurtleff College Library for valuable aid in research. To the Reverend Percy Ray of Collinsville the author is particularly indebted for the use of the Minutes of Cantine Creek Church. To the members of her family for their interest and encouragement throughout the period of her study she expresses her sincere appreciation.