Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-12
LETTERS IN HONORABLE MEN,
TON GLASS.
Essay on Abraham Lincoln.

One hundred years ago a little heart
began to beat in a log cabin in the
backwoods Of Kentucky heart that
was destined to swell with the hopes,
and throb with the grief of the great
est nstiCn or earth. Who would have
thought that from such humble sur
roundings and improvident people
would come one of the greatest presi-
dents the world has ever known. Even
though the days of Lincoln's childhood
were dull and barren. they shone with
the warmth and kindness of his heart.
His love for his sister did not lessen
the love for his mother. for many times
he quoted the words, "All I am or
hope to be I owe to my sainted moth
err"
What a student he must have been,
for his boyhcod Gays belonged to that
civilization which the modern people
have never known.
His kind heart was sorely wounded
by the death of his mother but bright
ened later by his fathers marriage to
a Kentucky widow.
In his time schools We're few and
POOR, but young Lincoln took advant-
age of learning and when seventeen
walked four miles for that purpose
After battling through thick and thin
in school difficulties for several years.
he began the study of law.
Imagine his stalwsrt figure growing
from bOyhod TO youthhood with always
an expression on his face that showed
his kindness of heart Even as youth
he was forever defending the helpless.
He did not consider anything in dis
tress beneath his notice.
But in love affairs he was like most
young men. He was disappointed at
the death Of an attractive and estima-
bic girl Ann Rutledge, to whom he
to, IL I'd .T-As
Of his law studies Later in life, he
married Miss Mary Todd, a young
Kentucky lady Of good family. AL
though she possessed a vigorous and
cultured mind. her temper was erratic.
which caused, at times unpleasantness
for Mr.. Lincoln. Toward his family.
which consisted of three boys, he was
very tender hearted and proved a low
ing father.
During his married life he continued
the study of law and also human ma
ture. He was a keen observer. In
1853 he received his largest fee. It
was not until the repeal of the Mis-
souri, compromise. in 1854, that Lincoln
was really aroused. He had always
opposed the extension Of slavery. Dur
ing this time he became a great COM
petitor Of Douglas. After arranging
that Lincoln should speak against
Douglas the two met in debate at Pc
oria. But it was the campaign of 1858
which made Lincoln famous. which
fully demonstrated his powers. and
which prepared him for the presidency.
In 1861 he was inaugurated for presi-
dent. AS he was a great anti-slavery
man the southern people. thinking he
would free the slaves. seeded. This
brought on the great civil war Of 1851.
During this campaign Lincoln's task
was such as no man ever faced before
Imagine his great. STOPPING figure
walking here and there, with his heart
torn and bleeding with sorrow for the
poor soldiers. At the end of the war;
in 1865, he vas reelected president.
Il was on the evening of April A.
1865. that Mr.. Lincoln was. by special
invitation to witness a play at Fords
theater With deep regret we have
heard of Lincoln's assassination, by
John Wilkes Booth. Sorrow, more deep
and universal. cannot be imagined than
enveloped our land on that 18th Of
April. Throughout the country every
household felt the loss. The loved re-
mains were quietly laid away in
Springfield. Father Abraham certainly
merited the words well done. thou
good and faithful servant"
Fw.
TaftvilIe.