PRESIDENTIAL POUR! Abraham Lincoln Was a Licensed Bartender!

Before his rise to national prominence, Abraham Lincoln, like many young men on the American frontier, engaged in a variety of trades to make a living. One notable, though brief, venture involved co-owning a general store in New Salem, Illinois, with his partner William F. Berry. This establishment, known as Berry and Lincoln, was more than just a place to buy dry goods; it also functioned as a tavern, a common practice for businesses in burgeoning communities of the 1830s.

In that era, taverns served as vital social and commercial hubs in frontier towns. They were often gathering places for locals and travelers alike, where news was exchanged, business deals were struck, and political discussions unfolded. The Berry and Lincoln store obtained a liquor license on March 6, 1833, allowing them to sell spirits such as whiskey, brandy, and gin, along with other merchandise. This license permitted them to sell liquor at 12 cents a pint.

However, Lincoln's foray into the tavern business was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. The partnership accumulated debt, partly due to Lincoln's reported greater interest in reading and politics than in the store's operations, and partly due to Berry's heavy drinking. Lincoln sold his interest in the store to Berry in April 1833, just a month after the liquor license was issued, and the business eventually failed. This left Lincoln with a significant debt, which he diligently worked to repay over many years, a testament to his strong sense of honor. This early experience as a store owner and licensed bartender offers a fascinating glimpse into the varied and often challenging life of the future president.