Beyond the Beard: Abraham Lincoln’s Unique Quirks and Habits Revealed
President Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of the most revered leaders in the history of the United States. His tall stature, stoic demeanor, and iconic beard make him an enduring symbol of American presidential imagery. However, beyond these well-known features, Lincoln possessed a unique set of quirks and habits that set him apart from his contemporaries. In this article, we will delve into some lesser-known aspects of Lincoln’s life, examining his intriguing personality traits, hobbies, and idiosyncrasies.
Homebody and Hobbyist
Despite his position as President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was a homebody who relished in spending time at his Springfield residence, the Lincoln Home. He was known to hang his coat straight on the back of a chair upon finishing dinner and never ventured farther than the Jefferson County, Kentucky, border after leaving the White House.
One of Lincoln’s main hobbies was woodworking. He created a wide range of wooden objects, from toys for his children to the elegant and intricate design of a model of the White House made entirely from wood. A lesser-known fact is that he was also an avid cricket enthusiast, remaining a fan of the sport throughout his life.
A Practical Joker and Storyteller
Lincoln had a playful sense of humor and could often be found engaging in light-hearted banter with his cabinet members. He reputedly once pranked his own Secret Service agents by hiding them in a large box with a false bottom, claiming that he needed to deliver a gift to an influential friend.
Another less explored facet of Lincoln’s life was his remarkable storytelling ability. Early in his days, Lincoln was an acclaimed jokes-teller at Springfield saloons, entertaining patrons with his quick wit and charm. Later, his storytelling skills were put to good use in debates and public speeches.
Unique Facial Hair and Physical Appearance
While Lincoln is most famously known for his signature beard, few are aware that he was not born with this physical feature. When a photographer offered to take a group portrait of Lincoln and his cabinet in 1860, Lincoln was clean-shaven. However, the photographer suggested that Lincoln grow a beard to change his public image, and Lincoln agreed. Surprisingly, within a few weeks, Lincoln’s chin and cheeks began sprouting thick black hair, and he adopted the beard as a permanent part of his identity.
Self-Education and Intellectual Curiosity
Lincoln, who never received formal education, was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. His love for reading spanned various genres, from classic literature to English poetry, and he even had ten volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica in his Springfield dwelling.
Additionally, he had a keen interest in science and technology. Despite the common belief that the president retreated in his cabin when the anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published, Lincoln’s actual intention was to read and understand the perspective of the novel.
One-Armed President
One of the most fascinating, yet seldom-mentioned facets of Lincoln’s life, is his reliance on a single arm, due to an injury he suffered as a young boy. A rotten stick or gadfly had poked his face, and the amputation of the flesh required the removal of his lower jaw. The four-year-old Lincoln self-consciously held a pocket comb in place with his dangling lower jaw while introducing himself to strangers, hiding his disability. In later years, it is rumored that he wore a prosthetic jaw to conceal this injury from the public.
FAQs Section
1. Did Abraham Lincoln have a favorite child?
Though it’s not confirmed, historical records indicate that Lincoln had a special bond with his son, Robert, often affectionately calling him ‘Bob’.
2. Why was Abraham Lincoln called ‘Honest Abe’?
The nickname was bestowed upon him by his friends during his time as a country lawyer, in reference to his unprecedented honesty and integrity in dealing with cases.
3. Did Abraham Lincoln have an education?
Despite being largely self-educated, Lincoln was a keen learner. However, he did not receive a formal education and is known to have primarily attended school for a total of less than one year during his early life.
4. How many countries did Lincoln visit during his presidency?
Lincoln never left the continental United States during his presidency, as he focused on navigating the complexities of leading a nation through a civil war.
Among the many interesting aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life, these quirks and habits reveal a layer of depth to his personality. Beyond the beard, Lincoln was a multi-faceted man whose personal habits and traits played a significant role in shaping his public image and interactions with those around him. In exploring these facets of his life, we gain a deeper understanding of the man who led America during one of its most challenging periods.
