Student of Lincoln as Collector-Windy City Attorney Bob Markoff

A pleasant e-mail conversation was had this week with Chicago, Ilinois collection (and other disciplines) attorney Robert Markoff (who seemed affable enough that he must be hereafter referred to as Bob). He was discovered in an internet search of his research on Abraham Lincoln as collection agent (described in a earlier post here). He was a visitor to the Lincoln Museum--an enviable excursion--so he knows from whence he speaks. In his e-mail, he had more insight than his firm's website would allow.

Here's a quick tidbit from Bob:

"He [Abe] was sued by a debt buyer!

Lincoln referred to the debt buyer Peter Van Bergen as the Dutchman!

Van Bergen purchased the note (or notes) Lincoln used to purchase his store in

New Salem, IL.  Lincoln's partner, Berry, acquired a liquor license and then drank

himself to death leaving Abe with the bills!"

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Postscript: 

Mr. Lincoln didn’t have modern bankruptcy laws to protect him, so when his creditors took him to court, he lost his two remaining assets: a horse and some surveying gear. That wasn’t enough to foot his bill, though, and Lincoln continued paying off his debts until well into the 1840s.

Check out Bob's website.

And by the by, if anyone out there has more Abe Lincoln collection information, please submit it.