To all my Kindred, Friends, and Acquaintances among
whom are Fellow Ministers, Teachers, Students,
Pupils, Parishioners, though Widely
Scattered, and to All Who Cherish
the Memory of
Abraham Lincoln
The Apostle of Human Liberty, Who Bound the Nation
and Unbound the Slave, This Little Volume
is Respectfully Dedicated by
THE AUTHOR
INTRODUCTION
Everything pertaining to the life of Abraham Lincoln is of undying interest to the public.
It may at first appear unnecessary, if not presumptuous, to add another volume to the already large number of books in Lincoln literature. Hitherto efforts have been made by the biographer, the historian, and the relic-hunter to gather everything possible connected with the life of Lincoln.
If an apology is needed in presenting this volume to the public, it may be said that it has fallen as a rare opportunity to the author, during the passing years, to gather some well-authenticated facts, reminiscences, and illustrations which have never before appeared in connection with the history of this great man.
Like many others, I have always taken great interest in the life and work of Abraham Lincoln. There are some special reasons for this, upon my part, aside from my interest in the lives of great men, and the magnetic charm which surrounds the name and fame of the most eminent American and emancipator of a race.
The name, "Abraham Lincoln," is connected with my family history, and with one of my first achievements with pen and ink. Because of an affliction in early life, I was, for two or three years, unable to attend the public schools. At home I learned to make figures and letters with slate and pencil, as other writing material was not so common then as now. The first line I ever wrote with pen and ink was at home, at the age of ten, under a copy on foolscap paper, written by my sainted mother, "Abraham Lincoln, President, 1861."
After the birth of John the Baptist, there was considerable controversy among the kinsfolk as to what name he should bear. The father, old Zacharias, was appealed to, and when writing material was brought him, he settled the matter by writing, "John." On the 7th of May, 1863, when a boy baby was horn in our old home, the other children and I were very anxious to know what name would be given the little stranger. We appealed to father. He did not say, but called for the old family Bible, pen and ink. He turned to the "Family Record," between the Old and the New Testaments. I stood by and saw him write, with pen and blue ink, the name, "Abraham Lincoln Hobson."