Lot 428
[Lincoln, Abraham] Poll Tally From the National Election of 1840. An extensive DeWitt County, Illinois poll book from the national election of 1840: "Poll Book for election held in Waynesville, Waynesville Precinct, Dewitt county…Nov. 1840," 10pp, 12½ x 7¾ in., with an additional ten blank leaves, docketed with additional page addressed to the County Clerk; loose pages, apparently complete with tally-page to be sent to be tabulated. Lincoln was a determined party functionary, actively campaigning for Whit presidential candidates in every general election from 1840 to 1856. He barnstormed the country giving speeches and was a candidate for Presidential Elector on numberous occasions--the very first time being in 1840. In that campaign, he also debated Stephen Douglas, who supported Martin Van Buren, for the first time. Lincoln supported William Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate.
This poll book has been carefully manuscript penned with listings of "Abraham Lincoln of Sangamon Co." repeated on each page. The first eight pages have the names of each voter written in by the election clerk, along with their vote. A tally of the votes received is written on each page. Since Illinois was a Democratic state, the Van Buren slate received more votes and Lincoln failed in his attempt to be elected a Presidential Elector; however, he did gain invaluable experience. A complete poll book such as this is quite rare. Fine.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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