How Lincoln Became Known as "Honest Abe."

As a general store clerk at New Salem, Illinois, Lincoln was scrupulously holiest. This trait soon became known, but the two following incidents are particularly responsible for the appellation of "Honest Abe," given him and by which he has been so familiarly known. 

He once took 6¼¢ too much from a customer. He.did not say to himself, "never mind such little things," but walked three miles that evening after closing his store to return the money. 

On another occasion he weighed 1½ lb of tea, as he supposed, it being night when he did so, and that was the last thing he sold in the store before going home. Upon entering the store in the morning he discovered a four-ounce weight on the scale. He saw his mistake, closed the shop, and hurried off to deliver the remainder of the tea. 

People recognized his integrity and were soon asking him to act as a mediator or judge in various contests, fights, and arguments. According to Robert Rutledge of New Salem, "Lincoln's judgment was final in all that region of the country. People relied implicitly upon his honesty, integrity, and impartiality."

These acts of his soon gained him the now-famous title of "Honest Abe." It was a nickname that Abraham Lincoln embraced with pride throughout his life.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Mrs. Haupt, of Philadelphia Remembers Kissing President Lincoln at 13 years old for a 10¢ Union Fund Raiser in 1864.

Mrs. John Haupt, north Main street, claims the proud honor of having kissed Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. Haupt, who is fairly steeped in the tales of good old times which she is always glad to relate, tells the story in this manner: "It was in 1864 that Lincoln, who was then President, came to Philadelphia to be present at the Sanitary Fair given in that city. I was then a girl of 13 years and with a number of school children, I went to the Fair to see this wonderful man who was talked of so much."

The Philadelphia Sanitary Fair at Logan Square, June 7th to June 21st, 1864.

Mr. Lincoln had his seat on a raised platform and the children, those who cared to, mounted the rostrum, and took the offered privilege. The charge for the kiss was 10¢, of which all the money went to the benefit of the Union soldiers. I wore long curls when I was a girl and I remember that Mr. Lincoln said, "What pretty curls you have." 

Little else comes to my memory of what happened with the exception of the scolding I received when I reached home. My father, who was not a Republican, said, "If I had been you, Emma, I would not have kissed the old rail-splitter." Lincoln was being entertained at the home of an old friend of our family, Dr. Wright, in Philadelphia, and I can recall just how I felt what a great thing I had done when I gave my ten cents and took the kiss on the cheek, just as the other children did."

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.