Account of William Odam to James Rutledge, [1831]1
| 1830 & 18312 |
To 1 years boarding while carrying the mail $27—00 |
[ certification
]
I do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that the above accoumpt— is just
and correct—to the best of my knowledge—
James Rutledge<Page 2>
[ docketing
]
No
James Rultedge
acct[account] $
James Rultedge
acct[account] $
1Page one of this document is entirely in Abraham Lincoln’s handwriting, aside from
James Rutledge’s and Bowling Green’s signatures.
Odam’s will was entered into probate January 4, 1831; by December 1831, the estate
was in the final stages of settlement. This account was likely written during that
period.
Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 1 December 1831, 3:5; William Odom probate case file 89, Sangamon
County Probate Court records, Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), University
of Illinois-Springfield.
2While living in New Salem, Lincoln frequently wrote various documents for his friends and neighbors. This account
was likely related to the time when Rutledge turned his home into a tavern for boarders.
Benjamin P. Thomas, Lincoln's New Salem (Springfield, IL: Abraham Lincoln Association, 1934), 7.
Copy of Handwritten Document Signed, 2 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Association Files, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).