Can You Imagine a Handshake with President Lincoln?

Can You Imagine a Handshake with President Lincoln?

 

I have the deepest respect and admiration for Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth president, many of whom say he is the most important president in American history. Even before he abolished slavery and reunited America, Lincoln was an upright, honest, hard-working man who believed in freedom for everyone. I wonder what it would have been like to shake his hand, talk to him, ask him questions. I’d give my last dime to thank him for serving our country during such a tumultuous period.

 

A high school friend, Betsy Laslie, shared a fascinating story with me, a connection she has to this great president. Betsy, like me, loves family stories. In fact, she has meticulously saved family letters and keepsakes through the years. Not only her own and her husband’s, but from other relatives, particularly her mother’s. And she goes so far as to donate various items to historical societies. Betsy told me one time she ought to have been an archivist, and her home could probably serve as a museum! Here is her story.

 

I have several Civil War documents from four of my great-great grandfathers. My great-great grandfather, Frederick William Kassebaum, suffered a saber wound to his shoulder and was thrown from his horse at Poolesville, Maryland on September 8, 1862, on his way to Antietam. My mother, the Civil War historian in the family, always said we were lucky my great-great grandfather was wounded there, for so many were killed at Antietam. He was hospitalized, and while there, he shook hands with Abraham Lincoln. Although the exact words between the two were not recorded, I can imagine President Lincoln probably asked my great-great grandfather about his injury and no doubt thanked him for his service with that handshake. This story was passed down through the next four generations and landed with me. I will continue to pass it on.

 

Along with some Haviland china and other furniture from my great-great grandfather, I have his rocker in my home today. When I sit in this family heirloom, I look at his photograph and Civil War roster hanging on my wall. I try to imagine what memories my great-great grandfather might have revisited when he rocked in it. Did he think about that handshake from President Lincoln? Did he remember looking into his eyes? Did he think about the battles he fought in and the divisions his country faced? Undoubtedly, he probably had no idea he played a significant role in our country’s history. I wish I could have talked with him.

 

The rocker is still good and in its original shape. My mother was eight years old when her great-grandfather died. But she remembered sitting in the rocker with him, and by the end of her life, she’d held her great-grandchildren, all born in the 21^st century. The link to President Lincoln is somehow closer in time than one would think.

 

I treasure this beautiful rocker beyond words—a connection to my family tree, through my great-great grandfather. It provides a sense of nostalgia, and even a connection to Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest presidents who ever lived.

 

From Becky: Open in your browser and scroll down to make a comment. I reply to all comments. As always,  feel free to forward to a friend. Be sure to let me know if you have a family story to contribute!