Lincoln's Dog Fido

[RJNorton]

Brian, I do not know if the original home is still standing, but when the Lincolns moved to Washington the Roll family home was at the southeast corner of Second and Cook Streets. Fido passed away at the corner of Fifth and Cook Streets. I bet Gene will be able to remember Cook Street.

Brian, you are correct. Lincoln first met John Eddy Roll at Sangamo Town in the early 1830's. Roll described the young Lincoln this way:

"He was tall, gaunt and bony and as homely as he has ever been pictured to be. He was the rawest, most primitive looking specimen of humanity I ever saw, his clothing all too scant for him. His trousers lacked four or five inches of reaching his feet, usually with legs stuffed in big cowhide boots. At this time he wore an old 'round about' far too short for him, so that when he stooped over he showed four or five inches of his suspenders. His hat, drab in color, small crowned and broad brim, was well worn. He was a general favorite of all with whom he came in contact, and with his story telling and genial spirit he soon made friends and became the life of the village."