From his presidency to his assassination Lincoln's ledger open to public in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Abraham Lincoln had to eat, sleep and put money in the bank just like everyone else. Now you can see the transactions and bank movements he made throughout his life in Illinois.

Lincoln's ledger can be seen in the Illinois Treasurers building right across from the Old State Capitol in Springfield for free.

The treasurers office used to be a JPMorganChase bank, who originally held the former presidents ledger on display. When the bank firm sold the building to the state for $10, they took the original copy with them and now display it at their New York City headquarters.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs now holds in his hands a replica of the ledger, which he is happy to display for the publics pleasure.

"We get to display this for people who would like to see another bit of his history," Frerichs said. "To understand the man you have to understand he was a man. That he had financial challenges, that he had bills to pay. He had things just like we all do and I think that's something worth showing off and displaying."

Abraham Lincoln opened his account in 1853 which he became most active with during his election year campaigning for the presidency. He remained a customer until his death in 1865, where his account was closed two years later.