Henry B. Rankin Letter, 1919 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents:

This collection contains a copy of a letter sent to G.E. Nelson in 1919. The letter was read during a celebration of Lincoln's birthday held by the Old Salem League on February 12, 1919. The next day, it was published in the Illinois State Register. In his letter, Rankin described Lincoln's life during his time in New Salem, as well as criticized writers and a sculptor who he believes all defamed Lincoln's character within their respective works.

Biographical/Historical Context:

Henry B. Rankin studied law under Abraham Lincoln and William Herndon from 1856-1861. He wrote articles and pamphlets about Lincoln, including Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln and Intimate Character Sketches of Abraham Lincoln. G.E. Nelson was president of the Old Salem Lincoln League, an organization that promoted the preservation of Old Salem Chatauqua and the restoration of New Salem State Park, two historic sites in Petersburg, Illinois.

Acquisition Source: This collection was previously cataloged in the Lincoln Room with the call number Q.MS 973.7 L63 GR1671.