Influential Women of the Civil War Period

[Gene C]

I can't say that she changed his thinking, but I sure think she played the key role in helping to shape and direct his thinking.
I also believe his father's role in developing Abraham's political views and moral values is probably under stated.

I believe his father was disappointed and didn't understand why his only surviving offspring was not interested in the farm that he had worked so hard to develop. He certainly had to recognize Abraham's potential. The strain in that relationship may have drawn him closer to his step-mother and given her a stronger impact on his life.