Page 13 of the May 19th 1857 Board of Education Minutes (paragraph three) officially documents the hiring of Abraham Lincoln by the Bloomington Board of Education. Originally, the Bloomington City Council denied a request by the Board of Education to levy a tax for the school district. Lincoln was hired and was able to compel the city to establish a tax levy without litigation.
"Friday the 19 day of May the board met present all the members of the board except the Secretary.
The following preamble and resolution, was presented to and passed, - whereas the City Council, have declined by resolution of said Council, performing the duties assigned them by the act to establish and regulate a System of public Schools in the City of Bloomington.
Therefore Resolved - That the superintendent be instructed to employ Hon. A. Lincoln to take the necessary steps to procure from the Circuit Court, a writ of mandamus, to compel said City Council to levy the Tax as required by them by Section eight of said School law."
