Title: Puzzling Legends: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Stories of Lincoln’s Life
Image: An image of Abraham Lincoln sitting at his desk, with a stern expression, deep in thought.
There has never been a president of the United States quite like Abraham Lincoln – a humble man of few words, a self-taught lawyer, and a wise leader of people. However, it is precisely these qualities that have led to the creation of many stories and legends surrounding his life. In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction to reveal the truth about some of the most popular legends associated with Lincoln’s life.
1. Legend: Lincoln was born in a log cabin.
Fact: While it is possible that Abraham Lincoln was indeed born in a simple log cabin, it is not a widely documented fact. However, it would not be out of character given the area where he was born, Kentucky, which was a frontier territory at the time. Lincoln did grow up in a modest environment, which likely helped shape his later worldview.
2. Legend: Lincoln was a self-taught lawyer.
Fact: Absolutely true! In the 19th century, legal books were scarce, and budding lawyers like Lincoln often learned the law by reading court documents. Lincoln joined the bar in 1836 after reading Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England. Like any young lawyer, he apprenticed for a top-notch lawyer named John T. Stuart, who brought him into his office. Lincoln eventually worked his way up to partner and enjoyed widespread admiration as a skilled attorney.
3. Legend: Lincoln was the “Emancipator” or the sole reason for the abolishment of slavery.
Fact: While Lincoln is undoubtedly one of the key figures in the abolishment of slavery, he was not the sole reason. His Emancipation Proclamation was a vital catalyst in the fight against slavery, leading to the 13th Amendment. However, many people had fought tirelessly before Lincoln, including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown. The Proclamation was a necessary, but far from the only, step towards emancipation.
4. Legend: Lincoln’s father was abusive and neglectful, causing Lincoln to live a troubled childhood.
Fact: It is true that Thomas Lincoln was said to be a stern and hard-working farmer who fought with his spouses. Lincoln’s mother Sarah passed away when he was nine, and his father remarried. However, Lincoln’s reporting of his father’s character is either twisted or exaggerated, and the notion of an abusive father is not supported by strong historical evidence.
5. Legend: Lincoln lived a somber and reclusive life as an adult.
Fact: Quite the opposite, in fact! Lincoln was a champion debater, a charismatic speaker, and a crowd favorite who maintained extensive social circles. He often engaged in long, enthusiastic conversations with all sorts of people. In fact, some of his closest pals were members of his team at the law office.
FAQs:
Q: Did Lincoln know a true violin when he met one?
A: Many believe that Lincoln had a great love for music and knew a true violin when he heard one. According to lore, during the Civil War, an English violinist visited the White House. When the musician unveiled a violin and removed its cover to show its case, Lincoln nailed the cover back on. (This means that Lincoln recognized the violin was just japanned wood without real violin craftsmanship.)
Q: Was the “Emancipation Proclamation” Lincoln’s idea?
A: The Emancipation Proclamation was predominantly Lincoln’s idea. However, advisors of Lincoln were pushing him to make a move. The war provided him with the opportunity, and he used it as a tool to weaken the Confederacy.
Q: Was Lincoln mentally ill?
A: There’s no known evidence that Lincoln suffered from a mental illness. Some believe Lincoln experienced episodes of depression, which during his time, was not openly discussed or even understood. However, countless successful people from Lincoln’s time up to our own have experienced depression, and they are successful, productive people.
In conclusion, while it is essential to hold on to the remarkable tales about Lincoln, we must also try to sift through exaggeration and fiction to get a broader, clearer picture of who Lincoln was and what he means to history. Understanding these stories about a man who played an important role in shaping the United States provides us a richer, more comprehensive view of history.
