Sterling, Illinois — In an intriguing blend of history and performance, Brian “Fox” Ellis will embody the spirit of William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln’s law partner, during an upcoming event hosted by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. Scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 9, the portrayal will take place at the Lincoln Learning Center located at 611 E. Third St. in Sterling.
William Herndon is notable for authoring one of the seminal, though contentious, biographies of Abraham Lincoln. His work involved extensive interviews with individuals who had direct interactions with Lincoln, providing a unique perspective on the former president’s life and career.
During the presentation, Ellis will delve into Lincoln’s legal life, illuminating his early training and career-defining cases, both victories and losses. He will explore the nuances of Lincoln’s reputation — was he merely a self-taught lawyer from humble beginnings, or was he among the most lucrative legal minds of his era?
Ellis, a seasoned performer, educator, and museum consultant, has toured globally since 1980, sharing narratives and histories through a dynamic storytelling approach. He has penned 30 books, three of which are biographies of Lincoln that draw from his performance material.
Additionally, Ellis contributes regularly to over a dozen magazines and serves as the editor of Illinois Audubon magazine, further underscoring his engagement with both history and the natural world.
The event promises to offer attendees a nuanced look at Lincoln’s legal career, highlighting impactful cases that continue to resonate in modern jurisprudence. Through Ellis’s portrayal of Herndon, audience members will gain insight into the complex figure of Lincoln, not just as a president, but as a lawyer who left a lasting imprint on the United States legal system.
This unique performance is part of the ongoing efforts by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society to engage the community with enriching, educational content that dives deep into the nation’s history, ensuring that significant figures like Abraham Lincoln are remembered and understood not merely as historical icons, but as multifaceted individuals whose lives and careers continue to influence current times.
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