He Served in Place of Abraham Lincoln

[maharba]

Some interesting sites for sure, Roger, and they do amplify what I was able to find out. Thanks. And a good point that it was likely a symbolic gesture. What would have happened if the poor guy had been maimed in battle and survived slightly deranged, then begun raving about himself 'a stand in for Lincoln' and not getting his full measure of devotion in return?
As a 'false start publicity project' this could have gone in many directions --good and bad for the Federals.

Gene
Is this a credible story, first I recall ever hearing of it...
Are you aware of any of the Lincoln biographers mentioning it?

Good points, too, Gene. You are very widely read in Lincoln lore and had not heard of Summerfield, Lincoln's replacement.
What gets me is the treatment of the poor guy from the likes of Noble Danforth Larner, Grand High Priest of the masons. Not only do they just forget about Summerfield, they make snide remarks about Summerfield's character.