[Illustration: Lincoln, the ardent student, could be found pursuing his studies in the most unusual places. Squire Godbey, seeing him stretched out on a pile of wood, inquired: “What are you reading Abe?” Lincoln replied: “I am not reading. I am studying Law.” “Law? Good God A’mighty!” exclaimed the surprised squire as he walked away.] [Illustration: The little subscription schoolhouse stands a half mile south of the village near Purkapile “crick.” Schoolmaster Mentor Graham was a constant stimulus to Lincoln and always ready to help and encourage him. After the day’s routine had ended Lincoln often came to the school so that the master might evaluate his progress.] [Illustration: In 1834, Lincoln’s quest for knowledge and esteem was rewarded. The citizens of Sangamon County sent the novice lawmaker to the State Capitol at Vandalia, to take his seat in the Ninth General Assembly of the Legislature of Illinois.] [Illustration: In the Assembly, Lincoln said little, but observed closely and learned much. He was among men of affairs, education and political experience. He became floor leader of the Whigs and an esteemed member of a political group known as the “Long Nine” who were successful in having the State Capitol moved from Vandalia to Springfield.] [Illustration: In March of 1837, after having been admitted to the bar in Illinois, Lincoln moved from New Salem to Springfield. For the next twenty-five years the first State Capitol Building in Springfield became the center of his many activities.] [Illustration: The Postville Courthouse was on the “Old Eighth Circuit.” In Lincoln’s day judges and lawyers rode horseback from one county courthouse to another, so as to make a living by representing the litigants in the suits to be heard. This was known as “riding the circuit.”] [Illustration: The Mount Pulaski Courthouse hasn’t changed much since Lincoln practiced law here more than a hundred years ago.] [Illustration: In the court and jury room Lincoln argued cases before such distinguished judges as David Davis, who became a Justice of the United States Supreme Court.] [Illustration: During those inevitable moments of disturbance when the courtroom became unruly, Judge Davis would sound this gavel calling for order in the court.] [Illustration: The Metamora Courthouse, dating from 1845, retains the atmosphere of those rugged days when Lincoln and his colleagues came here to plead for justice before the bar.] [Illustration: At Metamora, Lincoln sat at this table. The “skirt” was cut away to accommodate his long legs.] [Illustration: The well-worn courthouse doorstep is evidence of one court room visitor’s observations: “Court week is a general holiday. Not only suitors, jurors and witnesses, but all who can spare the time brush up their coats and brush down their horses to go to court.”]