Who, When, Why What

[LincolnMan]

Jim: I didn't start off being interested in Lincoln's assassination. In fact, I didn't want to read about it because it was emotionally painful for me. Let me explain: I started my love of Abraham Lincoln very young-age 5. At age 12, I read the monumental work of Carl Sandburg on Lincoln. Lincoln had become sort of a father-figure for me-as I was raised in a broken home. I didn't gain an interest in the assassination aspect until well into adulthood. My love for Lincoln also has cost me something-my family is from Tennessee. I have too many Confederate ancestors in my bloodline to count (and Union ancestors also). Many of my kin found it very distasteful that I admire him. Most of them have passed away now. I've mentioned before that my grandma talked about Sherman's March as if she had been there. Anyway, once I did become interested in Lincoln's assassination, I found out that it is a fascinating part of Lincoln's story. And so much of his legacy is invested, I suppose, in the fact that he "gave his life" for the "cause." Besides, I think everyone loves a good murder mystery. The assassination has so many angles-so many twists and turns-that is captures ones imagination-and allows all who partake in it's complexities much enjoyment and wonder.