Mordecai Lincoln

Mordecai Lincoln (born ca. 1770- died ca. 1830 in Hancock County, Illinois) was the uncle of President Abraham Lincoln. He was the son of Captain Abraham Lincoln, and brother of Thomas Lincoln. He was married to Mary Mudd. He is buried at the Old Catholic or Lincoln Cemetery near Fountain Green, Illinois. Mordecai's home, which he built himself, is still standing on the original lot in Springfield, Kentucky. It is the only home built by a member of the Lincoln family that still stands in its original location. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.^[1]

Death of father

One day in May 1786, Abraham Lincoln was working in his field with his three sons when he was shot from the nearby forest and fell to the ground. The eldest boy, Mordecai, ran to the cabin for the loaded gun, while the middle son, Josiah, ran to Hughes' Station for help. Thomas, the youngest, stood in shock by his father. From the cabin, Mordecai saw an American Indian come out of the forest and stop by his father's body. The Indian reached for Thomas. Mordecai took aim and shot the Indian in the chest, killing him and saving Thomas. Mordecai, the oldest son, inherited his father's estate when he came of age.

Uncle of President Lincoln

On several occasions, President Lincoln referred to his uncle as his most important familial influence. The only Lincoln relative whom Abraham Lincoln knew, Mordecai was a man of considerable wit and great natural gifts. President Lincoln once remarked that "Uncle Mord had run off with all the talents of the family." ^[1]

After Mordecai's father died, Mordecai as the eldest son inherited his father's land and property, according to the system of primogeniture. Left without a patrimony like many younger sons, Josiah and Thomas had to make their ways in the world.^[1]

See also

• Mordecai Lincoln House

Notes

1. ^ See the Springfield, Kentucky homepage

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Donald, David Herbert (1995). Lincoln. New York: Touchstone. p. 21. 

Persondata
Name	Lincoln, Mordecai
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1770
Place of birth
Date of death	1830
Place of death