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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Unknown [Illinois Poll Book for electors the election of 1840]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08938 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Illinois Type: Printed document Date: November 1840 Pagination: 2 p. ; 33 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Partially printed precinct poll book for presidential electors in New Lessington, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln was listed among those running to be an elector (he lost). The names of registered voters are written (in the same hand) down the left side of the sheet. Lincoln is the tenth potential elector listed across the top, one of five Whig candidates. His name misspelled "Abram Lincoln." On the top of one side a hand-written name is crossed out and "Henry Celtney" is written above it. The Whigs fared poorly in the precinct, although Harrison ultimately won the presidency.

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

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