Extremely rare and early ADS, signed “A. Lincoln,” one page, 6.75 x 12, September 5, 1834. A land survey conducted by Lincoln for William G. Cantrall, penned entirely in Lincoln’s own hand. In full: “Surveyed for William G. Cantrill the following tract of land (to Wit) Beginning at the South East corner of the West half of the North East quarter of Section 20 in Township 17 North of Range 5 West at a White Oak, 20 inches in diameter bearing South 60 degrees West 33 Links Thence West 31 chains & 50 Links to a Hickory 20 inches N 48 W. 25 Links Thence North 20 chains to a stake Thence East 31 chains & 50 Links to a Spanish Oak 20 inches S 66 W 42 Links—Thence South 20 chains to the beginning—J. Calhoun SSC By A. Lincoln,” also identifying his assistants, “Chainmen, Joshua M. Cantrill, Adam M. Cantrill.” Intersecting folds (one passing through but not detracting from Lincoln’s signature), light toning, and an irregularly trimmed right edge, otherwise fine condition.
In 1831, after his father had moved the family from Indiana to Coles County, Illinois, Lincoln ventured out on his own, settling in New Salem, Illinois, on the banks of the Sangamon River. Sangamon County Surveyor John Calhoun appointed Lincoln a deputy surveyor in 1833, though the earliest known survey he conducted is from the beginning of 1834. This particular document dates to an extraordinarily important turning point in Lincoln's career, marking his entry into politics. Almost exactly one month earlier, on August 4, Lincoln secured his first-ever electoral victory, winning a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives as a representative for Sangamon County. Although Lincoln would begin his first term in December 1834, he continued to work as a surveyor through November 1836 to supplement his income. Land surveys executed and recorded by Abraham Lincoln are extremely rare and, as they were conducted primarily for town and county governments rather than individual land holders, most extant examples reside in government archives and institutional collections.
