Petersburg family donates ledger to ALPLM

A business ledger acquired by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum sheds new light on Lincoln’s early days as a lawyer, showing him buying materials for a better suit and settling his debts before leaving the little village of New Salem to start over in Springfield. The previously unknown ledger from a dry goods store was donated to the ALPLM by the family of the late Raymond and Alia Montgomery of Petersburg. “The simple facts and figures in this ledger offer fascinating details about Lincoln at a critical moment – his transition from restless laborer to promising lawyer. They help paint a better picture of the man who was now on the path that would lead him to the White House,” said ALPLM executive director Christina Shutt. “We thank the Montgomery family for this wonderful gift to the people of Illinois.” The ledger will be displayed at the ALPLM’s library building (112 N. Sixth Street, Springfield) from Nov. 19 through the end of the year.

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