Nancy Hanks' lineage

[Steve Whitlock]

Roger,

I have not researched into the legitimacy of the purported photo of Thomas Lincoln, father of President Lincoln. Nor am I knowledgeable as to determining the age of photographs, and am terrible with guessing ages. My excuses now in order I would say the photo MAY be of a Thomas Lincoln, but not the Thomas Lincoln who fathered President Abraham Lincoln.

The man in the photo is robust and appears as descriptions by acquaintances of Thomas Lincoln have described him. That said, and my admission of being a poor judge of age stated, I would surmise the man in the photo is too young for that quality of photograph to be of Thomas Lincoln, Abe's father. Records indicate that Thomas Lincoln was in failing health for several years. Does the clear-eyed man in the photo appear unhealthy? I think not, which means it couldn't be Thomas Lincoln circa 1850, as purported by some, particularly when he died in 1851.

The one thing that gives me pause is that I do see some slight resemblance to Robert Todd Lincoln. But you asked for my opinion, and given the information I have now I would say the photo is NOT Thomas Lincoln, the father of President Lincoln, for more reasons than I have given here.

While we would all like to see a verifiable photo of Thomas Lincoln, father of the President, there is another photo that needs verification as well. It is for Sophia "Sophie" (Hanks) Lynch-LeGrand, Abe's cousin. The 2 photos I've seen, especially the one said to be her in later years, bears a very strong likeness to Abe, so much so I would think an expert would be needed to verify it wasn't doctored.