http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-964582.mp3
Macomb, IL – The mystery of how Western Illinois University obtained a document with an authentic Abraham Lincoln signature might never be solved.
Senior Library Specialist Kathy Nichols said her research into the document has hit a wall.
Nichols said the document remains significant, even though details about its origin are missing.
"The fact is that it's an original Lincoln signature. The Abraham Lincoln Library would like very much for us to donate it to them," Nichols said.
She added the university is not interested in donating it.
"It will always still here. It will always be valued. This is important and very distinctive because it is from President Lincoln."
University Television's Roger Kent discovered the signature on a tri-fold piece of paper embedded within a photograph of Lincoln.
A WIU news release said that many years ago, when the University Union Lincoln Room changed its decor, UTV acquired a number of Lincoln artifacts to be used as props for set design.
One of the framed portraits was stored in the prop room for three years until UTV's Roger Kent "rescued" it to decorate his Memorial Hall office.