Things Lincoln never said

[Steve Whitlock]

(08-09-2012 05:08 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  I have a web page devoted to this topic here.

That is a list I have spent a good amount of time researching over the past 16 years and never found legitimate sources for.

If anyone has corrections/additions/subtractions/sources/ I would love to hear from you!

I use the "Dr. Thomas Schwartz" method of researching quotes: (paraphrased from a post he once made on ALO)

(1) If it's not in the Collected Works that is Strike One.
(2) If it's also not in the Fehrenbachers' book that is Strike Two.
(3) If it's also not in any of the other books cited on that web page that is usually Strike Three.

Most of the quotes in Shaw's encyclopedia are accurate, but he does include some dubious ones.

Roger,

I just want to thank you for your list of "Unproven Quotations Attributed to Abraham Lincoln".

I've been seeking proof of "I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be," a statement supposedly made by Abraham to James Speed, according to a sworn statement by Dr Christopher Columbus Graham, (used in Ida M. Tarbell's "Early Life of Lincoln" and William E. Barton's "The Paternity of Abraham Lincoln", and whoever else). After getting nowhere I finally went to my best source, Roger Norton, who showed me the way home, again.

""They never said it, A Book of Fake Quotes" also acknowledges that Lincoln may have said it, but it is unproven. I don't have access to Fehrenbacher, but you show them as a reference, so I'm confident you vetted the quote.

I have difficulty believing Dr Graham made the quote up himself, and he has errors in his statements, but he must have heard it, or read it somewhere. Why else wasn't he forthcoming as to his Lincoln knowledge sooner?

Thank you for your diligent pursuit of the truth, and your genorosity!