Who is this person?

[RJNorton]

Hint #3: The story of the favor has been disputed by some historians, but the evidence it happened is pretty solid IMO.

[Anita]

Norman Judd?

[Eva Elisabeth]

Springfield days? Or prior (New Salem?)

[RJNorton]

I am sorry, Anita, but it's not Norman Judd.

[RJNorton]

Springfield days?

Later.

[Eva Elisabeth]

If Lamon had had sons, I'd have guessed him (but I think he only had a daughter.)

[RJNorton]

I am sorry, Eva, but it's not Ward Hill Lamon.

[Gene C]

Alan Pinkerton ?

[RJNorton]

I am sorry, Gene, but it's not Allan Pinkerton.

[RJNorton]

Springfield days?

Later.

Hint #4: Yes, later, but not for a long time.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I try again - did Lincoln get to know this person (first meeting/acquaintance) in Springfield days, or even before?
"Later" obviously refers to the said incident of Lincoln asking him for a favor (since "Lincoln knew this person during his pre-Presidential years") - but I don't know what to do with "not for a long time".

[RJNorton]

The first acquaintance was during the New Salem days, but the two were not friends. This man did not live in New Salem. But they probably at least met.

The man died not long after Lincoln was inaugurated as President. That's why I said "not for a long time."

[Gene C]

Stephen Douglas, so was the favor holding Lincoln's hat at the inauguration?,

[Dennis Urban]

I think Tad had a male and female playmate that were regulars at the executive mansion but I cannot recall who they were. Is this the right track?

[RJNorton]

I am sorry, Dennis, but that is not the right track.

Congratulations to Gene! Kudos, Gene. The answer is Stephen A. Douglas. The people in the photo are sons from his first marriage: Robert Douglas is at the right and Stephen A. Douglas, Jr. is at the left.

Yes, the favor was holding Lincoln's hat at the first inauguration. Some historians have cast doubt on this, but I think this article seems convincing:

https://www.americanheritage.com/content...ncolns-hat