Ezra+Morton+Prince+poems

 = **Ezra Morton Prince** =

By Becca Remmes

“Designed for the professional life,” I always said. Being a frail child with mismatched Legs attests to this fact, and My career as a lawyer offers further support. A graduate of Harvard College, and a Firm supporter of the Republican Party, I was eventually brought to Bloomington At the request of my cousin, Leonard. And thank goodness I was!, for this was Where I met Mr. Lincoln that fine May morning in 1856. An upstanding gentleman, he shared My views on many political issues- Republican views, obviously. Travelling the eighth circuit together gave us Ample time to become fast friends. I did my duty as best I could, With my regular contributions to //The Daily Pantagraph// And speaking out against copperheads. What? Democrats living in the free North, of course. Those hypocritical, war-protesting, slavery-loving Detestable creatures- but, I digress. My contributions, I hope, did some to further The Republican sentiments of Bloomington. My teaching at Wesleyan Law School, And my founding of Bloomington’s first public library were All done in the name of the Republican party. My love, Barbara, passed away in 1908 And I followed soon after, Suffering from kidney and bladder defects. Lying in Evergreen Cemetery beside My beloved wife and daughter, Grace, I cannot think of a happier ending.

= Ezra Morton Prince = By Ian Ostaszewski WOULD you always remember me As the person that I was in everyday life? I know that many souls become forgotten over time— No matter how they persist to keep their name alive. Surely, the writer’s pen in this way makes men immortal, For I am certain you may always remember me for my literary contributions. May you also always recall What I worked so diligently to achieve in my own community. Serving law and justice alongside the likes of Abraham Lincoln, And being devoted to the young, inexperienced Republican Party, Denouncing the expansion of slavery And all its evils. I will always be proud to say I shared this duty With the greatest man to ever live—Honest Abe. To live side by side with a man of such integrity Is truly an experience like nothing else. And now I find my travels bring me back to Normal Where I now reside in Evergreen.

Andy Olson

I hate the copperheads. It’s as simple as that. They have no place here. Even the newly formed Republican party, Of which I am a devout supporter of, Retaliates against those who dare to commit enslavement. I know exactly what we need. Abe. He rises out of the street with his stove pipe hat and baggy pants. I cannot deny the excitement and wonder at first sight. While attending the Republican State Convention of Illinois, I was in awe of how Abraham Lincoln spoke. His gripping speech was one I will never forget, Unlike the reporters in the audience. I know this country will one day, soon, Somehow, with all the greatness of the north, Elect this man to lead us onto the right path.
 * Ezra Prince**