Possible Lincoln artifact discovered!

[Eva Elisabeth]

(07-05-2016 12:50 PM)Tadsecrete Wrote:  

(07-05-2016 11:52 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Is there evidence that it was Tad who actually made the carving in the rocker?

William Herndon wrote, "He (Lincoln) was in the habit, when at home on Sunday, of bringing his two boys, Willie and Thomas – or “Tad” – down to the office to remain while his wife attended church. He seldom accompanied her there. The boys were absolutely unrestrained in their amusement. If they pulled down all the books from the shelves, bent the points of all the pens, overturned inkstands, scattered law-papers over the floor, or threw the pencils in the spittoon, it never disturbed the serenity of their father’s good-nature. Frequently absorbed in thought, he never observed their mischievous but destructive pranks, as his unfortunate partner did, who thought much, but said nothing. And, even if brought to his attention, he virtually encouraged their repetition by declining to show any substantial evidence of parental disapproval."

If it was family habit to carve into furniture, etc. would Herndon have not included this in his list of complaints? IMO, a law office would be full of possible items to carve upon.

Brian and Rachel, I am sorry, but I remain unconvinced.

They (Willie and Tad) received pen knives AFTER they left Sprinfield.

This is what the museum's website says:
"Lincoln Home Artifacts

The museum houses several artifacts from the Lincoln Home in Springfield, Illinois. This rocker belonged to Tad Lincoln, the youngest of Abraham Lincoln’s four sons. In a time when material possessions were few, this rocker exhibits the pride that Tad had in his chair, and exemplifies the mischief that the Lincoln boys often created. Young Tad was likely aged 7 or 8 when he carved with a pocketknife his name on the back of his chair."

They don't reveal how they safely know.