One the years, I’ve written a number of times about Abraham Lincoln — usually on, or around, his birthday. But since one of the current presidential candidates constantly compares himself to Lincoln, I thought I’d talk about him a little more — especially a story I’ve always liked about Abe and an 11-year old girl….
I guess Abraham Lincoln is, rightly, remembered as a man ahead of his time. Of all the men who’ve held the office of President of the U.S, he’s always ranked near the top — because of his intellect, humor and compassion.
But here’s the story:
When Abe was still a presidential hopeful, he opened his mail one day — October 18, 1860, to be exact — and he probably chuckled to himself at the piece of advice being offered by 11-year old Grace Befell of Westfield, New York. She told him to give up shaving and that he “had it in the bag.” She wrote: “You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin…. all the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and you would be President.”
Well, Abe being Abe, dashed off this reply: “As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin now?”
Despite his answer to Grace, her suggestion must have made an impression on Abe. Lincoln loved to have his picture taken — and because of that, historians have been able to put together a chronicle or timeline of the development of the beard….
November 26, 1860 — a thin scraggly line of whiskers appears.
January 26, 1861 — more growth, but still straggly
February 9, 1861 — a mature, full growth of facial hair adorns the face of….. President Abraham Lincoln.
But the story gets better — before he was inaugurated, and in fact, on his way from Illinois to Washington to accept the office of president, Lincoln’s train made a whistle stop in Westfield, New York. Abe remembered the little girl with the good advice and he stopped midway through his prepared speech: “During my campaign I had a little correspondent from your town. She kindly admonished me to let my whiskers grow, and since I’ve taken her advice, I would like to see her. Is she here? Is Grace Befell here?”
A small little girl was bustled through the crowd and soon Lincoln was face to face with Grace. As the President bent down to kiss her, the prickly stubble digging into her cheek might have made Grace wish she’d never suggested the idea in the first place.
But thanks to Grace Befell, Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. President to sport facial hair of any kind. But politicians know a good thing when they see it — ten of the next 11 presidents wore beards or side whiskers with or without mustaches.
— 30 —