In the heart of downtown Springfield, a piece of history ties the community ever closer to its most celebrated former resident, Abraham Lincoln. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and officials from JPMorganChase unveiled a reproduction of the ‘Lincoln Ledger’ this Monday, said Illinois government news release. This historic artifact, making its home where Lincoln once carried out his financial transactions, offers a glimpse into the fiscal dealings of the esteemed 16th President of the United States.

With Lincoln's Birthday approaching this Wednesday, the timing could hardly seem more opportune. "President Lincoln stood up for what was right at a time his nation needed his leadership the most. His courage, vision, civility, and perseverance are admired to this day," Frerichs was quoted during the presentation at what is now the Illinois State Treasurer's Office location, housed in the former Marine Bank Building at 1 East Old State Capitol Plaza. Lori Cadden, Industry Executive for Government Banking at J.P. Morgan, echoed this sentiment, stating, "JPMorganChase is proud to collaborate with the Illinois Treasurer's Office to share a copy of the ‘Lincoln Ledger,’ a cherished piece of history that reflects our shared past with one of America’s greatest leaders."

Lincoln's financial footprints, cast in 1853 with an opening account balance of $310 at the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Co., reflect the humble beginnings of a man who would come to shape a nation. Over time, especially from 1859 up until he ascended to the presidency in 1860, his account saw substantial activity, enduring until his untimely death in 1865, and finally closed two years posthumously, as documented in "The Marine Bank" by Paul M. Angle. The facsimile on display, digitally scanned and printed from the original ledger pages, now rests in a late 1800s ledger book procured by JPMorganChase for this very purpose.

Although the bank building itself has undergone three reconstructions since Lincoln's era, some stones of the original foundation obstinately linger in the building's basement vault, a steadfast reminder of Lincoln’s tangible presence in these halls. While the original ledger once graced the downtown Springfield Chase Bank in the Marine Bank Building, it now resides in New York at the JPMorganChase headquarters. Meanwhile, a replica other than that in the Illinois State Treasurer's Office can be viewed by the public at the Chase Bank location on 200 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield.

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office plays a critical role as an economic catalyst for the Prairie State. With Michael Frerichs at the helm, approximately $60 billion is actively managed to bolster opportunities for education, retirement, and local government efficiency, all in the name of improved community and state. Moreover, the office oversees the unclaimed property I-Cash program, an initiative steeped in consumer protection that has proudly returned over $2.2 billion to date under Frerichs’ stewardship.