Below, image of William de Fleurville (1807-1868 aka Florville). To his fellow residents of Springfield, Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln, he was known as Billy the barber.

For over 24 years, Billy shaved and cut the hair of Abe in return for Lincoln's law assistance with several real estate title cases for the lots and farm he owned. He was one of the wealthiest men in Springfield.

Billy's barbershop, which dated back to 1831, was the informal social center for the men of the community. It was Lincoln's second home before marrying in 1842. Many of Billy's jokes were reportedly leaked in Lincoln’s speeches when he became President.

Billy passed in 1868, and many of his descendants still reside in the Springfield area.


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