Site Applies for Lincoln Grant

Warsaw, IL – Warsaw's Historical Society is applying for a grant to fix up a building associated with Abraham Lincoln's private secretary.

John Hay attended school through age 11 in what's now called the Little Brick.

He became the president's private secretary during Lincoln's presidency, and later served as Secretary of State for presidents McKinley and Roosevelt.

The 1835 building is believed to be the first schoolhouse in Hancock County.

Hancock County economic developer Kristin Huls says the fact that the building is original could help it win a grant from the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

More information:

The historical group wants to repair some of the floor joists and do tuck-pointing on the structure.

The building was owned by the American Legion Post for several years and used for events before the group moved.

As part of the coming Lincoln Celebration, the historical society hopes the building will join at least six Hancock County sites on the "Looking for Lincoln" trail.