Abraham vs. Thomas

[RJNorton]

I agree with Rob and would add that Lincoln seemed to feel his positive attributes came from his maternal grandfather rather than his own father. The identity of Lincoln's maternal grandfather is unknown, but Lincoln thought he was "a nobleman so-called of Virginia." Lincoln told Herndon, "My mother inherited his qualities and I hers. All that I am or hope ever to be I get from my mother, God Bless her." Burlingame writes that this was as much a rejection of his father as an accolade for his mother. There are some indications Lincoln was really bothered by the fact he didn't know the identity of his maternal grandfather.