Scope and Contents: Pierre Menard arrived in Kaskaskia in 1790 where he became a prominent merchant and public figure. He took an active role in the early development of Illinois government. In addition to serving as a judge, militia colonel, and representative in the territorial legislature, Menard was elected the state's first lieutenant governor in 1818.
This collection contains personal and business records of Menard, including a letter book (1829-34) containing copies of 124 letters by Menard. Other materials in the collection include account books, business ledgers, blotters, ferry books, journals, and school texts used by Menard's sons. There are also several volumes recording items given to and traded with Indians. The collection also contains the microfilm edition of the Menard Papers in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. This includes personal correspondence and business papers of Pierre Menard and his family, 1791-1910; business ledgers of Pierre Menard, Edmond Menard, Menard and Valle, Bryan and Morrison, and Burr and Christy; and the business papers of Barthelemi Tardiveau, 1785-1827.
| Illinois History and Lincoln Collections
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