Who is this person?

[RJNorton]

Congratulations, Steve! This was a tough one. It is Isaac Cogdal.

The reason Cogdal is mentioned in some Lincoln biographies is because of what William Herndon reported that Cogdal said during an interview. Herndon reported that Cogdal talked about Abraham Lincoln and Ann Rutledge. Cogdal said he had talked to Lincoln during the period Lincoln was President-elect. Here is what Herndon reported Cogdal said about his conversation with Lincoln:

"After we had spoken over old times — persons — Circumstances — in which he showed wonderful memory I then dare to ask him this question —

May I now in turn ask you one question Lincoln Said Cogdale Most assuredly. I will answer your question if a fair one with all my heart. then it was that he answered — as follows

Abe is it true that you fell in love with & courted Ann Rutledge" Said Cogdale. Lincoln said, "it is true — true indeed I did. I have loved the name of Rutledge to this day. I have Kept my mind on their movements ever since & love them dearly" — said L

Abe — Is it true — Said Cogdale, that you ran a little wild about the matter:

I did really — I run off the track: it was my first. I loved the woman dearly & sacredly: she was a handsome girl — would have made a good loving wife — was natural & quite intellectual, though not highly Educated — I did honestly — & truly love the girl & think often — often of her now."