John Messinger Papers, 1799-1846, 1860, 1936 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents: John Messinger migrated to Illinois in 1802 where he worked as a surveyor, cartographer, and educator, and also became involved in politics. This collection mainly contains transcripts of Messinger's correspondence, made from originals in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, but it also includes a surveying notebook, land deeds, agreements for millwright work, and a copy of Messinger's A Manual, or Handbook, Intended for Convenience in Practical Surveying (St. Louis, 1821). In addition, the collection contains a CD of Messinger's field book, donated by William J. Shive of the St. Clair County (Ill.) Historical Society.