An original 1858 ambrotype of Abraham Lincoln has been gifted to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Illinois. This ambrotype, taken during Lincoln's U.S. Senate campaign against Stephen A. Douglas, has an intriguing history.

In 1858, as Lincoln campaigned for Senate, a man named Charles Lame was seriously injured while testing a cannon for a rally. In a gesture of kindness, Lincoln gave one copy of the ambrotype to Lame, as detailed by El Paso Inc. Lame managed to recover from a severe arm infection, aided surprisingly by flesh-eating maggots.

"Lincoln fans everywhere should thank Charles Lame's descendants," Christina Shutt, executive director with to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, remarked, appreciating the uncommon, original photo. Its backstory gives it additional value and appeal.

Lame's family inherited the ambrotype. It found a home with Mary Davidson in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Her children, upon her passing in August 2022, chose to donate the image to Springfield that showcases a younger Lincoln amidst his Senate campaign against Douglas. 

Lame’s unfortunate injury remains a stark example of the unforeseen risks associated with political rallies and accidents. The ambrotype since Lincoln presented gifted, though, underscores his empathy and consideration. Ian Hunt, head of acquisitions for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, sees the photo as a tangible reminder of Lincoln’s kindness and concern for others.