Abraham Lincoln’s beard story is charming. Grace Bedell wrote him an advisory letter in 1860 suggesting he grow a beard to improve both his campaign and appearance.
I am only 11 years old but would very much like for you to become the President of the United States so please don’t think me too bold to write such an important person like yourself. Have any little girls my size who could write back if this letter cannot reach its destination? Also I have four brothers that may vote for you regardless, however if your whiskers grew I could convince more to vote for you simply by having you grow them out to look even better, as your face seems very thin right now.
Lincoln responded that he would make no promises, yet shortly thereafter was photographed sporting what became his signature facial hair.
Lincoln was the first President to sport a beard.
Lincoln’s beard became an icon of fashion during the 19th century and many men adopted its look.
Lincoln has inspired many books written about him; two of my favorites focus specifically on photographs of him:
Lloyd Ostendorf published Lincoln Photographs: A Complete Album in 1998 (Rockwood Press) as well as Lincoln Life-Size by Philip B. Kunhardt III, Peter W. Kunhardt Sr and Peter W. Kunhardt Jr (Alfred A. Knopf 2009).
Photos of Abraham Lincoln can be found online through sources like the Library of Congress Prints and Photograph Division and Allen County Public Library’s Lincoln Collection.
Photo from Library of Congress: Lincoln Inauguration From movies to today’s inauguration, all things Lincoln are in the spotlight. On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln participated in his second inauguration; thousands came to Washington DC that day to witness it and its news media of that time were there to cover events during that day.
Photographs of inaugurals typically center on the President, but one photographer captured crowds as part of this rainy inaugural photo from 1865’s Library of Congress collection. Lincoln spoke directly about this in his address that evening: he noted how close to an end the Civil War was becoming at that moment in Washington DC.
As members of a nation in need, let us strive to heal its wounds with love and kindness…
On March 5, 1865, a reporter writing for Philadelphia’s Sunday Mercury published by Joseph Haydon reported on the weather:
“Rain had been pouring down all day and night, leaving the already filthy streets of this political metropolis more polluted and unpleasant than ever. (Page 3)”
Close inspection of this photo reveals people dressed for inclement weather: heavy overcoats and hats worn over long clothing; standing in deep puddles with small children in front. Somewhere within this group may also be African American troops marching in the inaugural parade.
An historic crowd scene like this provides us with a fascinating window into the past. Individuals wear clothing ranging from wool coats and hoop skirts, as well as various forms of headgear such as stovepipe hats and smaller caps; one man in particular stands out with their tall hat formally dressed for this event; typically men of means or having significant jobs would dress more formally for important events and occasions such as this; in the 1860s hats could reveal much about occupation or fashion preferences.
Do you know about the political ideologies of your ancestors?
Your family history might include images of women sporting suffragette banners or men adorned with political memorabilia like pins. Even if they weren’t politically active themselves, study their lives to understand how political decisions impacted everyday experiences.
Thoroughly examine the photographs in your family collection and place them within an appropriate timeline to gain insight into your genealogy. There may be images depicting immigration, military service or social events caused by political factors in their home countries.
