Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Children's Lincoln

Looking for Lincoln

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

1. The Children's Lincoln Marker

Inscription.

The Children's Lincoln. Looking for Lincoln. , Neighbor girl Josie Remann (left)was a favorite of Lincoln's. Once, on finding her in tears in front of her house, Lincoln ran all the way to the train station with her trunk on his shoulders because a carriage driver failed to come for it on time. To Lincoln's delight, Josie (right: later married a nephew of Mary Lincoln. Mary gave her dead son Eddie's clothes to Josie's brother, Henry Remann (center). Lincoln sometimes joined Henry and others in games of marbles and ball, and in putting up swinging ropes. Henry corresponded faithfully with his longtime friend Willie Lincoln while Willie lived in the White House.

Children seemed naturally fond of Abraham Lincoln,and he of them. "He had a rare insight into boy nature," related a former neighbor boy. He took uncommon pains to remember their faces and names. He told them whimsical stories. He patiently answered their questions and encouraged their natural curiosity. When he took his boys to the circus he also took neighbor children along. Neighbors recalled seeing troops of children running out to meet Lincoln when he came home for dinner. They would "gambol by his side," hold onto his long legs, and swing from his hands. Often he threw one of the smallest up onto his shoulder an gave the child a ride high above the others. Mischievous boys sometimes rigged a string across the street to knock the had from Lincoln's head as he walked home. When Lincoln stooped to retrieve his had, the young ambushers would jump from their hiding places and merrily mob their hatless neighbor. Lincoln would laugh at the joke and sometimes treat them to cakes and nuts.

Neighbor girl Josie Remann (left)was a favorite of Lincoln's. Once, on finding her in tears in front of her house, Lincoln ran all the way to the train station with her trunk on his shoulders because a carriage driver failed to come for it on time. To Lincoln's delight, Josie (right: later married a nephew of Mary Lincoln. Mary gave her dead son Eddie's clothes to Josie's brother, Henry Remann (center). Lincoln sometimes joined Henry and others in games of marbles and ball, and in putting up swinging ropes. Henry corresponded faithfully with his longtime friend Willie Lincoln while Willie lived in the White House.

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across the street to knock the had from Lincoln's head as he walked home. When Lincoln stooped to retrieve his had, the young ambushers would jump from their hiding places and merrily mob their hatless neighbor. Lincoln would laugh at the joke and sometimes treat them to cakes and nuts.

Birthday Parties for children were not common in Lincoln's day. That didn't stop Mary, however, from hosting a party in 1859 for Willie's ninth birthday. Mary shared evolving 19th-century attitudes about childhood and instilling proper social manners in children. Birthday parties in this period were formal affairs hosted in affluent homes by highly motivated mothers. "Some 50 or 60 boys and girls attended the gala," Mary reported, "I have come to the conclusion that they are nonsensical affairs." Neighbor boys like Isaac Diller(right) may not have liked the starched shirts and suits that etiquette required.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 39° 47.906′ N, 89° 38.78′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is at the intersection of S, 7th Street and E, Capitol Ave. on S, 7th Street

The Children's Lincoln - Top Photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

2. The Children's Lincoln - Top Photo

. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mary Lincoln's Family (here, next to this marker); Historic Grace Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Carriage Maker (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Horse (within shouting distance of this marker); Kenneth Belton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Beedle House (about 400 feet away); Lincoln and Animals (about 400 feet away); What Did Abraham Lincoln Eat? (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

The Children's Lincoln - Bottom Photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

3. The Children's Lincoln - Bottom Photo

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.