Abraham Lincoln Legal Papers: Robert E. Turner Collection, 1833-1856
Series
Identifier: 2021.0037
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Abraham Lincoln Collection, spanning the dates ca. 1839-1865, (with some undated material) consists of divisional groupings of material, such as the Presidential Papers, Legal Papers, etc. The bulk of the material spans the dates 1844-1865. The manuscript sources are cited and summarized in this guide, with an index. In addition to the listed and related source, ninety-seven (97) reels of microfilm of the Abraham Lincoln Papers (Library of Congress) are available for research. Other resources include approximately 10,000 books, vertical file material, pamphlets, sheet music, broadsides, scrapbooks, photographs, and newspapers: the vast majority on the subjects of Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War.
The nucleus of the collection consists of the various papers, among them are the Legal Papers, consisting of more than 150 items. They originated circa 1839-1861 and include undated material. Significant among the other series are the Presidential Papers, comprised of both incoming and outgoing correspondence, memorandums, and other documents associated with President Lincoln. The inclusive date ranges are from December 1860 to March 1865 and include some undated material. Some of the documents originated while Lincoln was President- elect and are included in this series; altogether, the series contains over 70 items. The Personal Papers consists of only 4 items and range from circa 1849 to 1860. A Miscellaneous series (1853-1865; n.d.) is comprised of an eclectic group of Lincoln-related items, including a deed for a lot in the town of Lincoln, Sangamon County, Illinois (1853); a check written to Lincoln and Lamon (1854); a personal check issued by A. Lincoln, in the amount of $4,800.00, which historians say was for the purpose of dividing the cash with his law partner, Herndon; a wax imprint (personal seal of President Lincoln); various poems and proclamations in commemoration of President Lincoln; various autographs of Abraham Lincoln; and an issue of the New York Daily Tribune (May 6, 1865) carrying news of the assassination. The Ephemera includes, but is not limited to, campaign ribbons and two authentic theatre tickets from Ford's Theatre that are dated April 14, 1865, the evening of Lincoln's assassination, and March 27, 1865.
Dates
- 1833-1856
Extent
From the Collection: 58.87 Cubic Feet (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Content Index
2021.0037.1: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand. Vermillion County." The separate answer of lulia H. Fithian.... And is entitled to Dower..." of property belonging to her late husband." Document written by Lincoln; signed by Julia Fithian and witnessed and signed by Clerk, Amos Williams. May 20, 1842.
2021.0037.2: "Autograph legal document in Lincoln's hand." Signed by him as "Swett Atty" for his colleague, Leonard Swett. A grand jury "true bill" against Iohn Armstrong, Reuben Bloomfield, William L. Miner and William Tremble for burning and destroying a wagon wheel, etc. belonging to Benjamin Brittenham. Dockets on overleaf, "indict for Riot..' followed by names of four defendants. Two were later found guilty and fined; charges against the others were dismissed. Nov. 2, 1853
2021.0037.3: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand. Signed by Baldwin" Regarding a pending action of replevin involving Jacob Backenstos, Samuel seeks permission to take testimony of Hancock County witnesses by deposition.
This document relates to the "jackass suit", brought for recovery of a mule. [with] ]. B. Backenstos. Autograph letter signed ("].B. Backenstos"). Springfield, ill. September 26, 1848. 4to (10 'A x 8 1A in), 1 1/; pages; addressed on integral leaf to A clerk of the Peoria Circuit Court. }. B. Backenstos states he is "much grati?ed with the termination of the celebrated jackass Suit" involving himself and B. L. Backenstos. The background of the suit is noted and the cost to both parties exceeded the value of the animals in question.
May 29, 1844
2021.0037.4: "Legal document in Lincoln's hand. Vermiilion County, lll," "The People & c vs Edwin Littler/ Indictment for assault with intent 8: c" Littler charged with a crime on 20 October, 1856. "...with a deadly weapon"; and signed by jury foreman. Oct. 20, 1856
2021.0037.5: "Autograph document. Sangamon Co." Land deed in two hands, one Lincoln's; between Thomas and Anna Dowell and Joseph Watkins. Signed by Bowling Green, ("Bowling Green"), a Sangamon County justice of the peace and early mentor to Lincoln, on ?rst page and ["A Lincoln") at lower left of second page. July 13, 1833
2021.0037.6: "Legal document in unknown hand annotated and signed by Abraham Lincoln" Docketed on verso of second page, "United States of America vs William Wilson. Demurrer to 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th pleas". Lincoln, at four points in the text, wrote, "Joinder in short by consent/ Lincoln p.d.". Mar. 1856
2021.0037.7: "Group of five legal documents. Pike County, Illinois. September, 1839." 1. 9 Sept 1839. Notice from J. W. Whitney(?) as solicitor of complaint, to Cyrus Walker, attorney for defendant, advising a change of venue in Langford Gwin vs. David Gardner, Pike Co., Ill. Lincoln erroneously annotated the document as ("James T. Swearingen vs. Joel Meacham") and lined it out.
With four additional documents relating to Joel Meacham vs Daniel B. Bush. All in Lincoln's hand and signed by him for attorney, Edward D. Baker ("Baker for deft")
2. 11 Sept 1839. 3. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co., Sept 1839] 4. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co. Sept, 1839] 5. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co. Sept, 1839]
2021.0037.8: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand" Docketed on integral overleaf, "Macon Co, lll, 6 lune, 1856". "The even foundation and stone work was completed according to the true meaning of the contract...". The content represents jury instructions submitted to the judge for transmission to the jury in the suit of Overholt & Squires vs the County Christian. Clerical notes on overleaf indicate the instructions were "refused". June 6, 1856.
2021.0037.9: "Printed list of interrogatories annotated in Lincoln's hand" "The Alton and Sangamon Railroad Company vs. James A. Barret"; printed list of interrogatories to be put by the plaintiff to lsaac Gibson. In Lincoln's hand: "James A Barret", Lincoln's client; ("of the court") and ("ruinous") inserted in printed text. Feb. 1851
2021.0037.10: "Autograph endorsement on marriage license issued to Henry Antle and Nancy Duncan." Abraham Lincoln. Autograph endorsement on verso of printed and annotated marriage license issued to Henry Antle and Nancy Duncan. 13 January. 1838. ("Executed the within the 18"' day of January AD 1838 - Solomon D. Spain.") Jan. 13, 1838
2021.0037.11: "Autographed legal document in Lincoln's hand" "State of Illinois/Tazewell County David Hanger the defendant...". Signed by David Hanger, who seeks immediate execution of a judgement against Jacob Mickie whom "...is about leaving the county with the littleproperty he has". Sept. 20, 1852.
2021.0037.12: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand augmented in a clerk's hand." Autograph document in Lincoln's hand augmented in a clerk's hand. Christian County, 18 November, 1851. Signed by Wm S. Moore and Judge D[avid] Davis. [with] Printed proof of publication notice. Nov. 18, 1851.
2021.0037.13: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand" Autograph document in Lincoln's hand. "Good, wares, merchandize sold, rooms, apartments, fumiture used ....money loaned and advanced." A possible preliminary listing of goods and services rendered by a plaintiff. n.d.
2021.0037.14: "Autograph endorsement on legal document." Autograph endorsement on legal document. "William L. May vs James W. Moore 8.: Benjamin C. Beach". Lincoln's endorsement at end, "Notice acknowiedged March 18, 1841 S.T. Logan". Mar. 18, 1841.
2021.0037.15: "Autograph receipt in Lincoln's hand. April 12, 1849" Autograph receipt in Lincoln's hand. April 12, 1849. Signed by John Calhoun. "In chancery for conveyance of/land."Signed ("J Calhoun"). . 2021.0037.16: "Autograph endorsement on legal document" Autograph endorsement on legal document. Date on verso May 1840. "lohn T. Scott & Levi Coffee ads Stacey Ford and others". Lincoln's endorsement, lower left, "And the plaintiffs do the like Logan p.q." Signed by Lincoln for his law partner Stephen T. Logan.. May, 1840.
2021.0037.17: "Autograph legal document in unknown hand with note in Lincoln's hand" Autograph legal document in unknown hand with note in Lincoln's hand; signed by attorney, ("Davison for deft"). Lincoln's autograph notation in blue ink,, "And the plaintiff doth the like Iones p.q.". Possibly written on behalf of Edward Jones, a lawyer, who was occasionally arrayed with or against Lincoln in lawsuits as early as 1839. n.d.
2021.0037.18: "Autograph endorsement on legal document." Autograph endorsement on legal document (Danville, Ill May, 1852."). Andrew Makemson et al ats William N. Brown. Lincoln has signed for Davis and Lincoln at foot of document, ["And the plaintiff doth the like/ Davis & Lincoln p.q."]. May 1852.
2021.0037.19: "Autograph annotation in Lincoln's hand " Autograph annotation in Lincoln's hand on single sheet with two statements in unknown hand. 15 April, 1853. "To the Honorable D. Davis, Iudge of the MacLean Circuit Court" a plea for a change of venue by Milton Green, indicted under the "name of Little Dick Dawson...for burglary &...larceny". Signed in unknown hand "Lincoln &--- for deft". With statement signed by Milton Green's father, lohn Green, who agrees with his son's plea and states his belief that Milton was "mentally deranged" and "not accountable in law" for his crimes. Lincoln's annotation appears at the beginning of lohn Green's statement, "State of Illinois MacLean County". Apr. 15, 1853.
2021.0037.20: "Two endorsements in Lincoln's hand on single document." Two endorsements in Lincoln's hand on single document. Macon Co., Nov. 1850. "And the plff. doth the like Conckling p.q." for his colleague, James C. Conkliing p.q." {and} "Fielding House ats John Andrews". Nov. 1850.
2021.0037.21: Abraham Lincoln. Promissory note; a portion in Lincoln's hand. 9 March, 1837. To Stuart and Dummer for $25.00 from Nicholas Sentz. On verso John T. Stuart's receipts for various amounts and Lincoln's note ("Redd payment of the/within of Nicholas Moore, administrator"); then lightly lined out but legible. As a student, Lincoln borrowed law books from Stuart and Dummer, and later became a junior partner of Stuart. Mar. 9, 1837.
2021.0037.22: "Autographed legal document annotated in Lincoln's hand." Autographed legal document annotated in Lincoln's hand. "Champaign Co, lll. 28 July, 1852". "Nelson Leggetj vs/ Saml Frazier". Signed ("Davis Benedict & Under" Legget pleads that his arrest and subsequent imprisonment are null and void due to the arrest "...on a Sunday and not a judicial day." Lincoln in a tiny hand has written at the foot, "The defendant's demurrer to the above replication is over-ruled..." July 28, 1852.
2021.0037.23: "Autograph legal document in another hand" Autograph legal document in another hand, twice signed and briefly annotated by Lincoln. Dated "May term, 1854". Lengthy pleas involving an estate. Signed twice as "L. Davis for deft" and annotated at end, "issue in short on this"; additional signature, "L Davis". May term, 1854.
2021.0037.24: "Legal document, unknown author" Legal document docked on verso of third page, "Abednego Stevens assignee of I C Stevens vs. William R Firebaugh. Vermillion Co, Illinois. May, 1856. A suit over a promissory note, written and signed in an unknown hand for "Lincoln & Lamon/pit'ffs Atty's". The documents conclude with the autograph endorsement of Ward H. Lamon as "security for costs in this cause." Lamon was among the more famous of Lincoln's legal associates. He accompanied Lincoln on his inaugural trip to Washington, was appointed Marshall of the District of Columbia, and often acted as Lincoln's unofficial bodyguard. May 1856.
2021.0037.25: "Sheriffs notice" Sheriff's notice, printed in part and docketed on verso in unknown hand. Menard County, 15 August, 1842. "Sheriffs Sale", printed and autograph document signed by Sheriff, ("James Goldsby"); with notice that he will sell land in Petersburg belonging to William Loyd. Docketed on verso "A Freeman & Co vs Loyd & Cogdal." Aug. 15, 1842
2021.0037.2: "Autograph legal document in Lincoln's hand." Signed by him as "Swett Atty" for his colleague, Leonard Swett. A grand jury "true bill" against Iohn Armstrong, Reuben Bloomfield, William L. Miner and William Tremble for burning and destroying a wagon wheel, etc. belonging to Benjamin Brittenham. Dockets on overleaf, "indict for Riot..' followed by names of four defendants. Two were later found guilty and fined; charges against the others were dismissed. Nov. 2, 1853
2021.0037.3: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand. Signed by Baldwin" Regarding a pending action of replevin involving Jacob Backenstos, Samuel seeks permission to take testimony of Hancock County witnesses by deposition.
This document relates to the "jackass suit", brought for recovery of a mule. [with] ]. B. Backenstos. Autograph letter signed ("].B. Backenstos"). Springfield, ill. September 26, 1848. 4to (10 'A x 8 1A in), 1 1/; pages; addressed on integral leaf to A clerk of the Peoria Circuit Court. }. B. Backenstos states he is "much grati?ed with the termination of the celebrated jackass Suit" involving himself and B. L. Backenstos. The background of the suit is noted and the cost to both parties exceeded the value of the animals in question.
May 29, 1844
2021.0037.4: "Legal document in Lincoln's hand. Vermiilion County, lll," "The People & c vs Edwin Littler/ Indictment for assault with intent 8: c" Littler charged with a crime on 20 October, 1856. "...with a deadly weapon"; and signed by jury foreman. Oct. 20, 1856
2021.0037.5: "Autograph document. Sangamon Co." Land deed in two hands, one Lincoln's; between Thomas and Anna Dowell and Joseph Watkins. Signed by Bowling Green, ("Bowling Green"), a Sangamon County justice of the peace and early mentor to Lincoln, on ?rst page and ["A Lincoln") at lower left of second page. July 13, 1833
2021.0037.6: "Legal document in unknown hand annotated and signed by Abraham Lincoln" Docketed on verso of second page, "United States of America vs William Wilson. Demurrer to 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th pleas". Lincoln, at four points in the text, wrote, "Joinder in short by consent/ Lincoln p.d.". Mar. 1856
2021.0037.7: "Group of five legal documents. Pike County, Illinois. September, 1839." 1. 9 Sept 1839. Notice from J. W. Whitney(?) as solicitor of complaint, to Cyrus Walker, attorney for defendant, advising a change of venue in Langford Gwin vs. David Gardner, Pike Co., Ill. Lincoln erroneously annotated the document as ("James T. Swearingen vs. Joel Meacham") and lined it out.
With four additional documents relating to Joel Meacham vs Daniel B. Bush. All in Lincoln's hand and signed by him for attorney, Edward D. Baker ("Baker for deft")
2. 11 Sept 1839. 3. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co., Sept 1839] 4. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co. Sept, 1839] 5. N.p., n.d. [Presumably Pike Co. Sept, 1839]
2021.0037.8: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand" Docketed on integral overleaf, "Macon Co, lll, 6 lune, 1856". "The even foundation and stone work was completed according to the true meaning of the contract...". The content represents jury instructions submitted to the judge for transmission to the jury in the suit of Overholt & Squires vs the County Christian. Clerical notes on overleaf indicate the instructions were "refused". June 6, 1856.
2021.0037.9: "Printed list of interrogatories annotated in Lincoln's hand" "The Alton and Sangamon Railroad Company vs. James A. Barret"; printed list of interrogatories to be put by the plaintiff to lsaac Gibson. In Lincoln's hand: "James A Barret", Lincoln's client; ("of the court") and ("ruinous") inserted in printed text. Feb. 1851
2021.0037.10: "Autograph endorsement on marriage license issued to Henry Antle and Nancy Duncan." Abraham Lincoln. Autograph endorsement on verso of printed and annotated marriage license issued to Henry Antle and Nancy Duncan. 13 January. 1838. ("Executed the within the 18"' day of January AD 1838 - Solomon D. Spain.") Jan. 13, 1838
2021.0037.11: "Autographed legal document in Lincoln's hand" "State of Illinois/Tazewell County David Hanger the defendant...". Signed by David Hanger, who seeks immediate execution of a judgement against Jacob Mickie whom "...is about leaving the county with the littleproperty he has". Sept. 20, 1852.
2021.0037.12: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand augmented in a clerk's hand." Autograph document in Lincoln's hand augmented in a clerk's hand. Christian County, 18 November, 1851. Signed by Wm S. Moore and Judge D[avid] Davis. [with] Printed proof of publication notice. Nov. 18, 1851.
2021.0037.13: "Autograph document in Lincoln's hand" Autograph document in Lincoln's hand. "Good, wares, merchandize sold, rooms, apartments, fumiture used ....money loaned and advanced." A possible preliminary listing of goods and services rendered by a plaintiff. n.d.
2021.0037.14: "Autograph endorsement on legal document." Autograph endorsement on legal document. "William L. May vs James W. Moore 8.: Benjamin C. Beach". Lincoln's endorsement at end, "Notice acknowiedged March 18, 1841 S.T. Logan". Mar. 18, 1841.
2021.0037.15: "Autograph receipt in Lincoln's hand. April 12, 1849" Autograph receipt in Lincoln's hand. April 12, 1849. Signed by John Calhoun. "In chancery for conveyance of/land."Signed ("J Calhoun"). . 2021.0037.16: "Autograph endorsement on legal document" Autograph endorsement on legal document. Date on verso May 1840. "lohn T. Scott & Levi Coffee ads Stacey Ford and others". Lincoln's endorsement, lower left, "And the plaintiffs do the like Logan p.q." Signed by Lincoln for his law partner Stephen T. Logan.. May, 1840.
2021.0037.17: "Autograph legal document in unknown hand with note in Lincoln's hand" Autograph legal document in unknown hand with note in Lincoln's hand; signed by attorney, ("Davison for deft"). Lincoln's autograph notation in blue ink,, "And the plaintiff doth the like Iones p.q.". Possibly written on behalf of Edward Jones, a lawyer, who was occasionally arrayed with or against Lincoln in lawsuits as early as 1839. n.d.
2021.0037.18: "Autograph endorsement on legal document." Autograph endorsement on legal document (Danville, Ill May, 1852."). Andrew Makemson et al ats William N. Brown. Lincoln has signed for Davis and Lincoln at foot of document, ["And the plaintiff doth the like/ Davis & Lincoln p.q."]. May 1852.
2021.0037.19: "Autograph annotation in Lincoln's hand " Autograph annotation in Lincoln's hand on single sheet with two statements in unknown hand. 15 April, 1853. "To the Honorable D. Davis, Iudge of the MacLean Circuit Court" a plea for a change of venue by Milton Green, indicted under the "name of Little Dick Dawson...for burglary &...larceny". Signed in unknown hand "Lincoln &--- for deft". With statement signed by Milton Green's father, lohn Green, who agrees with his son's plea and states his belief that Milton was "mentally deranged" and "not accountable in law" for his crimes. Lincoln's annotation appears at the beginning of lohn Green's statement, "State of Illinois MacLean County". Apr. 15, 1853.
2021.0037.20: "Two endorsements in Lincoln's hand on single document." Two endorsements in Lincoln's hand on single document. Macon Co., Nov. 1850. "And the plff. doth the like Conckling p.q." for his colleague, James C. Conkliing p.q." {and} "Fielding House ats John Andrews". Nov. 1850.
2021.0037.21: Abraham Lincoln. Promissory note; a portion in Lincoln's hand. 9 March, 1837. To Stuart and Dummer for $25.00 from Nicholas Sentz. On verso John T. Stuart's receipts for various amounts and Lincoln's note ("Redd payment of the/within of Nicholas Moore, administrator"); then lightly lined out but legible. As a student, Lincoln borrowed law books from Stuart and Dummer, and later became a junior partner of Stuart. Mar. 9, 1837.
2021.0037.22: "Autographed legal document annotated in Lincoln's hand." Autographed legal document annotated in Lincoln's hand. "Champaign Co, lll. 28 July, 1852". "Nelson Leggetj vs/ Saml Frazier". Signed ("Davis Benedict & Under" Legget pleads that his arrest and subsequent imprisonment are null and void due to the arrest "...on a Sunday and not a judicial day." Lincoln in a tiny hand has written at the foot, "The defendant's demurrer to the above replication is over-ruled..." July 28, 1852.
2021.0037.23: "Autograph legal document in another hand" Autograph legal document in another hand, twice signed and briefly annotated by Lincoln. Dated "May term, 1854". Lengthy pleas involving an estate. Signed twice as "L. Davis for deft" and annotated at end, "issue in short on this"; additional signature, "L Davis". May term, 1854.
2021.0037.24: "Legal document, unknown author" Legal document docked on verso of third page, "Abednego Stevens assignee of I C Stevens vs. William R Firebaugh. Vermillion Co, Illinois. May, 1856. A suit over a promissory note, written and signed in an unknown hand for "Lincoln & Lamon/pit'ffs Atty's". The documents conclude with the autograph endorsement of Ward H. Lamon as "security for costs in this cause." Lamon was among the more famous of Lincoln's legal associates. He accompanied Lincoln on his inaugural trip to Washington, was appointed Marshall of the District of Columbia, and often acted as Lincoln's unofficial bodyguard. May 1856.
2021.0037.25: "Sheriffs notice" Sheriff's notice, printed in part and docketed on verso in unknown hand. Menard County, 15 August, 1842. "Sheriffs Sale", printed and autograph document signed by Sheriff, ("James Goldsby"); with notice that he will sell land in Petersburg belonging to William Loyd. Docketed on verso "A Freeman & Co vs Loyd & Cogdal." Aug. 15, 1842
Repository Details
Part of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Repository
Contact:
Lincoln Memorial Univesity
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate Tennessee 37752 United States
archives@lmunet.edu
Lincoln Memorial Univesity
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate Tennessee 37752 United States
archives@lmunet.edu