Illinois was once on the edge of the western frontier, and though they are mostly forgotten today, there were many legendary characters and important historical events that helped shape the Prairie State. Fortunately some of these exploits and legends were recorded by the prairie's early residents in letters and diaries, or even preserved in published volumes written by the likes of Judge James Hall, an avid writer and historian who witnessed many of the events he recorded first hand as one of the states earliest residents.
A set of engraved contemporary powder horns was dedicated to these people and their stories. Called "The Prairie Legends" series, these horns were carved by TC Albert nearly twenty years ago. They were often carved in the "Tansel" style, and were aquired by private collectors. Each horn was engraved with a different legend or theme depicting an historical person that pertained to the early frontier history of the Illinois country. There was the legendary Pisaw Bird; the story of Peter Featherton, the exploits of the infamous Indian Hater, Captain Sterling and the highlanders who accepted Ft. De Chartres from the French at the close of the F+I war, and even a whaling captain who relocated to the rolling sea of green prairies named Lemuel Potter....and many more.
The carvings shown here are from several of these "Prairie Legend" horns aquired by and in the private collection of Mr. Ed Haage.
Copy and photos supplied by T.C. Albert
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