Existing comment:
Reading Law:
Abraham Lincoln began to study law after his 1834 election to the Illinois House. The idea of studying law had arisen before, but he considered his lack of education to be a major stumbling block. He finally began regular study at the suggestion of John T. Stuart, a Springfield attorney and legislator who had met and been impressed by Lincoln during the Black Hawk War. The 25-year-old borrowed books from Stuart and read them during spare time. He also drew up basic legal documents for New Salem residents and argued minor cases before justice of the peace courts. On March 1, 1837, Lincoln's name was placed on the Illinois Supreme Court clerk's roll of attorneys, the final step in his admission to the bar. |