Abraham Kohn, an immigrant from Bavaria, began his new life as a peddler in New York before settling in Chicago, where he became a prominent merchant and was elected Chicago City Clerk. During the 1860 presidential campaign, Kohn met Abraham Lincoln.  In February 1861, reflecting on the tumultuous national climate, Kohn sent the President-elect a message of encouragement. He painted a replica of the American flag and inscribed it from the Book of Joshua: "Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid or dismayed; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."