Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Henry Stephens — who is believed to have moved to Springfield from Alabama prior to the 1908 race riots here — is said to be something of a pioneer.

So now, Stephens gets his own memorial marker near 11th and Washington, from the Illinois State Historical Society.  The marker was unveiled and dedicated Tuesday.

“He was very active supporting the (coal) miners — especially the black miners — who were in Springfield,” said William Furry, Executive Director, Illinois State Historical Society.  “He tried to integrate the mines because of the 20 mines that were in Springfield, only eight of them let African-American miners work there.”

Furry says “Big Henry” — as he was known — later went on to try and get Springfield’s fleet of street cars to integrate its passengers.

“He knew he was in Abraham Lincoln’s hometown,” said Furry.  “It was important for him to see that justice was done here, and that the promise was fulfilled.  Didin’t happen in his lifetime, of course, but that didn’t stop him from being an activist.”

Stephens died in 1939, and Furry says it’s possible Stephens would think today that the country has both come a long way — and not so much — given some of the racial tensions in the country.

A number of people and groups donated to the historical society so that the marker would be paid for and installed.  Its location is at the edge of the Springfield Mass Transit District Hub, and in the general area where Stephens lived when he was in town.