the law firm was founded in 1859 when edward swift isham, the son of a justice of the vermont supreme court, formed a partnership with james l. stark. incorporated as stark & isham, the firm quickly gained repute for their handling of commercial law. in 1872, the firm admitted robert todd lincoln, the son of former president abraham lincoln, as a junior partner. william g. beale followed as partner in 1886 and the firm became isham, lincoln & beale.