SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) will display a rare ledger from Bennett’s dry‑goods store, donated by the family of the late Raymond Montgomery. The book records thirteen months of sales from 1836‑37, a period when a young Abraham Lincoln was a frequent customer.

What the ledger shows

The handwritten entries list items such as buttons, fabric, and thread that Lincoln bought, likely to tailor a suit or repair his existing attire. These purchases suggest Lincoln was already conscious of presenting a more formal image as he prepared for a career in law and public service.

Why the acquisition matters

“Lincoln understood that with so much change on the horizon, he needed to shed the image of the rough‑and‑tumble frontiersman and adopt a more formal personage,” said Ian Hunt, head of acquisitions at the ALPLM. Hunt added that the ledger provides tangible evidence of Lincoln’s early attention to personal presentation, a trait that would serve him well in the courtroom and later in the nation’s highest office.

The ledger will be on public view from Nov. 19 through the end of the year, offering residents and visitors a direct connection to the everyday life of one of America’s most revered leaders.

From auction to museum

Raymond Montgomery purchased the box of books containing the ledger at an auction in the 1970s, paying just two dollars for the entire lot. His family’s generous donation ensures the artifact remains accessible to scholars and the public, reinforcing Springfield’s role as the steward of Lincoln’s legacy.

Local historians anticipate that the ledger will spark renewed interest in early Springfield commerce and the modest beginnings of a man who would later shape the nation’s destiny.

Visit the exhibit

The ALPLM invites community members to explore the ledger and other artifacts that illuminate Lincoln’s life before his presidency. Admission details and hours are available on the museum’s website.

Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.