Lincoln Discussion Symposium
Lincoln In Indiana by J Edward Murr - Printable Version

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Lincoln In Indiana by J Edward Murr - Gene C - 09-18-2025 08:06 PM

Written in 1917, this book is a reprint of articles written for The Indiana Magazine Of History. The book has about 150 pages, the print was a little bit small, making it a little harder to read.

The Rev. J. Edward Murr (1868–1960) was an early researcher and writer of Abraham Lincoln's youth. Born in Corydon, Indiana, Murr grew up with Lincoln's cousins. He spent two years studying law but ultimately entered DePauw University in 1897 to study theology. Murr served various churches in and around Lincoln's boyhood home in Spencer County, Indiana, and later served as superintendent of the Methodist Church district in that region. He became intimately acquainted with many who had been neighbors and boyhood associates of the future president.
(Combined Academic Publishers)

Murr did seem to ramble a bit, but all in all it was fairly interesting.
The book is in the Internet Archives -
https://ia600602.us.archive.org/15/items/lincolninindiana00murr/lincolninindiana00murr_bw.pdf

Some of the interesting statements-
Lincoln never saw a church until he was eleven years of age, and he helped in its erection. p. 340

Lincoln and the local Little Pigeon Baptist Church, traveling ministers.
p. 342-345

Lincoln's first flatboat trip down the Mississippi River (earlier than previously recorded) p.18 - 20

Everyday life of Lincoln p. 30 - 41

Lincoln's First Sweetheart - recollection of Polly Richardson Agnew p. 53-57

Lincoln's Attitude Toward The Church and Religion p.60-67

These little known details about Lincoln's life in Indiana from his childhood and teenage years add to a richer understanding of his life experiences that helped shape his character.

For me, these are just some of the more interesting sections of the book, but there's more you will find interesting.
I bought my copy new from Amazon for $14.
While not the easiest to read due to the print size, if you are interested in Lincoln's early life in Indiana, there are things here you will not find any where else.

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Indiana-J-Edward-Murr/dp/1015391729/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2PDG77HW6OZB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fG5Ja6w2VSYvNu1okMkCD-Jp8hVWg6BpJ9ElVfoXeTfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.Gy4UdoHYHylzkM997C4mi6VLUGyTGwBilEfMD​UqXIZE&dib_tag=se&keywords=J+edward+murr&qid=1758023265&sprefix=j+edward+murr%2Caps%2C1000&sr=8-2#