Was Abraham Lincoln born in western North Carolina? - Carolina Country
Feature Story
February 2003

Was Abraham Lincoln born in western North Carolina?

By Charles Joyner

Was Abraham Lincoln born in western North Carolina?

In 1899, less than 35 years after Lincoln's assassination, James H. Cathey of Sylva wrote and published the third edition of a book, entitled "The Genesis of Lincoln," in which he endeavors to prove "an interesting fact in the story of America's most remarkable man."

Quoting interviews and letters from widely scattered sources, Cathey makes a case that Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, became pregnant as a servant girl in the home of Abraham Enloe, located on Ocona Lufta, about 14 miles from Bryson City in what is now Swain County.

Was Abraham Lincoln from NC?

James Cathey’s book includes these photographs on facing pages. Lincoln’s alleged half-brother, Wesley Enloe, was 81 in the photo on the left. His figure bears a striking resemblance to Lincoln, shown when he was President. The photos are from the fourth edition of James Cathey’s book, “The Genesis of Lincoln,” published in 1939 by B.H. Cathey, Canton, N.C. They are reproduced here courtesy of William Enloe, of Edneyville.

Abraham Enloe fathered nine sons and seven daughters by his wife (a former Miss Egerton). The ninth and only surviving son in 1899 was Wesley M. Enloe. Wesley was 88 years old when he was interviewed by Cathey at the Enloe home — the same house on the same farm where his father and mother lived when Nancy Hanks was banished from the household and sent to Kentucky.

Wesley Enloe said in 1899: "I was born after the incident between father and Nancy Hanks. I have, however, a vivid recollection of hearing the name Nancy Hanks frequently mentioned when I was a boy. No, I never heard my father mention it; he was always silent on the subject so far as I know.. . . I have no doubt that the cause of my father's sending her to Kentucky is the one generally alleged."

Cathey interviewed Joseph A. Collins, then 56 and living in Clyde in Haywood County. Collins said he met a Judge Gilmore in 1867, who said he knew Nancy Hanks before she was married, and that she then had a child she called Abraham. "While the child was yet small," Collins quoted Judge Gilmore, "she married a man by the name of Lincoln, after which the boy was known as Abraham Lincoln."

"Years ago," Collins quoted Judge Gilmore, "on Turkey Creek in Buncombe County, N.C., I met an old gentleman whose name was Phillis Wells. Wells said he was then 90 years old. When he was a young man he traveled over the country selling tinware and buying furs, feathers and ginseng. On one occasion he called on Abraham Enloe to stay overnight, as was his custom."

Enloe went with Wells to the barn to put up the peddler's horse, Judge Gilmore said. While there, Enloe told Wells: "My wife is mad; about to tear up the place; she has not spoken to me in two weeks, and I wanted to tell you about it before you went in the house."

Wells asked, "What is the matter?" And Abraham Enloe replied, "The trouble is about Nancy Hanks, a hired girl we have living with us."

"Later a child was born to Nancy Hanks and she named him Abraham."

As Cathey reports it, Wells said he returned to the Enloe place some time later and by that time Abraham Enloe had sent Nancy Hanks to Jonathan's Creek and hired a family there to take care of her, and that later a child was born to Nancy Hanks and she named him Abraham.

An Asheville lawyer named Col. Davidson, who married into the Enloe family, and who settled Abraham Enloe's estate, related that shortly after the Civil War a man came to his office and introduced himself as a son of Nancy Enloe Thompson. The Thompson man stated that he was a Democrat and had been an Indian agent during Lincoln's administration.

"I asked," Col. Davidson said, "why Lincoln, who was a Republican, appointed a Democrat an Indian agent. Thompson replied that the President was under some great obligation to his [Thompson's] mother, and had expressed a desire to aid her in some substantial way. 'This is the way I got my appointment,' he told me."

Capt. James W. Terrell (born in Rutherford County in December 1829) recalled a conversation with a Dr. Egerton of Hendersonville, a relative of Mrs. Abraham Enloe. Dr. Egerton told him, Terrell said, that in the fall of 1860, just before the Presidential election, he had a guest in his home, a Mr. Davis, also a Rutherford County native, who had moved to Illinois in the early 1850s and had become "intimately acquainted with Abraham Lincoln."

"In a private and confidential talk," Davis is quoted as saying, Lincoln told him he was of Southern extraction, that his right name was, or ought to have been, Enloe, but that he had always gone by the name of his stepfather.

After reading Cathey's book, I picked up the Hendersonville phone book and called the first three Enloes listed. "The story is common knowledge in the family," Bryce Enloe of Edneyville told me. "I come from the same set of Enloes."

"I heard it from my grandparents," said Keith Enloe of Laurel Park. "It has been passed down from generation to generation."

"Abraham Enloe was my great-great grandfather," said Robert Enloe of Big Willow community. "I've heard the story all my life. I know it is true."

Was Abraham Lincoln the son of a western North Carolina farmer? You be the judge.

About the Author

Charles Joyner is a Carolina Country correspondent living in Hendersonville.

Comments (87)

  • I just recently read this article. Yes, the story is very true. My grandmother was born and raised in the park and she knew all about Lincoln's birth. She said that's why he fought to free the slaves so hard because his Mom had been a servent. There is one small difference in what you have written. When Nancy got pregnant they found her a husband and she went with him to Kentucky. At least that is how the story was told in the mountains here. My grandmothers Parents lived a couple of miles from the Enloes.

    I enjoyed your article.

    Kim

    Kim Shuler |
    September 06, 2017 |
    reply

    • That’s what was passed down through my family too.

      Robbins Bobbitt |
      November 27, 2020 |
      reply

    • Abraham Enloe is my fourth great grandparent, my grandmother was an Enloe, and I’ve heard this is true from my family

      Robert Purkey |
      April 02, 2022 |
      reply

  • My grandpa, James Parris grew up on a mountain in the Smokies near Bryson City. He tells this story to be true as well, and he says that everyone spoke about it and knew that this story was true. He says his dad and all the old folk down there talked about it all the time.

    Laura VonKampen |
    December 27, 2017 |
    reply

    • That's where I learned the story Laura. Near Bryson City.. I'm into genealogy so I did extensive research and found the story to be TRUE! Tom Lincoln was an abusive step-father and that is why "Ole Honest Abe" turned out the way he did. It is a sad story of a needless and cruel War that took the life of many both North and South..

      Bob Dean |
      October 20, 2020 |
      reply

      • Check out www.MyNameIsNacy.com I think you would find it interesting.

        Deborah Keller |
        October 21, 2020 |
        reply

      • www.MyNameIsNancy.com
        It is on kindle,Amazon, and Nook.

        Deborah Keller |
        October 21, 2020 |
        reply

      • I own the property on cherry mountain were his mother lived with two women when she was pregnant with him.

        Leslie |
        August 21, 2021 |
        reply

  • Some of this material was the basis for my twice-produced play THE BALLAD OF NANCY HANKS.

    Ludy Wilkie |
    July 18, 2018 |
    reply

  • I wrote "My Name Is Nancy" that deals with this subject. www.MyNameIsNancy.com

    Deborah Keller |
    September 27, 2018 |
    reply

    • Deborah helped with the play and said it inspired her book. I was honored by that.

      Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
      July 01, 2019 |
      reply

  • My grandfather is a Enloe and the story is still the same. And still learning about the family

    Shana |
    July 01, 2019 |
    reply

    • We’re probably distant cousins.

      Robbins Bobbitt |
      November 27, 2020 |
      reply

  • My maiden name is Enlow (with "w" instead of "e"), and I've heard this story from some of my family members. Don't know if it's true, but I'll proudly claim it! I can't think of a better person to have in one's family tree!

    Cheryl Enlow Beckwith |
    August 22, 2019 |
    reply

    • Hi Cheryl, I believe we are cousins. My dad was Joe Enloe, great grandson of Enoch Enloe. As you can see, my last name ends with an e, not a w. I have been doing my ancestry, and I know that I come from the same Enloes referred to in this article. So, with that said I believe we are related. I live in California, and have for my entire life. I would love to connect with any of my family members. In fact I have recently been acquainted with a cousin I never knew existed, which was awesome. I’d love to hear from you if you find the time.

      Sandra Enloe-Burger |
      January 01, 2020 |
      reply

      • Hello Sandra,
        Im also a great grandson of Enoch Enloe. Just wondering why you ended up in California. My father is L.A. Enloe which came from NC when he young to Texas. He had a sister that moved to California named Ruth. Just wondering if she is related to you.

        Leon Enloe |
        August 26, 2021 |
        reply

  • My 3rd great grandmother was Christiana Enloe Vernor. She was the sister of Abraham Enloe. Would like to connect with Enloe cousins. goodekenny@gmail.com

    Kenny Goode |
    August 25, 2019 |
    reply

    • Hi Kenny, I believe we are cousins and would love to connect with you. You have my email address so if you’re interested, feel free to send me an email. I’d love to hear from you. As you can see, I also reached out to Cheryl Enlow Beckwith. I believe she is a cousin also.

      Sandra Enloe-Burger |
      January 01, 2020 |
      reply

      • Hello! I am glad to know you. I live in Mississippi. Happy New Year!

        Kenny Goode |
        January 01, 2020 |
        reply

  • Very compelling. I recently visited the Bostic Lincoln Center in North Carolina and there learned of the Enloe connection.
    While there another visitor came in and explained that she is an Enloe and DNA connected her to Lincoln. She also shared photographs of a relative that had striking characteristics to the president.
    Miss Becky the museum hostess took information from this person.

    Pat |
    November 30, 2019 |
    reply

  • I grew up with my great grandmother telling me we were kin to Abraham Lincoln...well as most take "old folk" talk as just talk...

    In 11th grade connected to a half sister from my dad that I never lnew about. She and I became fairly close...considering she was 8 yrs older and we didn't grow up together.

    She came to me one day and said she did an ancestry genealogy and that we are kin to Abraham Lincoln through his half brother Wesley Enloe. So believe the "old folk" tales guys....if you're lucky enough to hear it!!

    Jessica Stoyle |
    January 28, 2020 |
    reply

  • I’ve grown up knowing we are related to Lincoln. I was told there was a time the family wouldn’t talk about the ‘Situation’ as it was an embarrassment on the family reputation that there was an illegitimate child that was ushered away with his mother. Obviously that changed, and times changed. Not that I feel that way, but at that time, that was how the older women folk felt about the affair. We are proud of the heritage. I’m a direct descendant the the family. My NC family tree goes from Warrington, to Durham, to Sherrill, to Enloe. Abraham’s father. My mother would share with a laugh the stories told to her by her revered Grandmother Durham. Most were narrow minded family views of the amorous affair and the ushered off girl and child. I’m sure there are numerous relatives across the NC mountains. I’d enjoy connecting with anyone who’s related.

    Robbins Bobbitt |
    April 04, 2020 |
    reply

    • It has been said in the family for years that Lincoln was a relation of ours but I have never researched it for myself.

      Sonya Foster |
      April 09, 2020 |
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      • Hi Sonya, do you know how you are an Enloe? On your maternal or paternal side? It would be great to have a family tree so we can all see how we are related together,
        Robbins

        Robbins Bobbitt |
        October 27, 2020 |
        reply

        • Hello Robbins, about a year ago i discovered my Jones family are connected to this amazing story of Abraham Lincoln and Abraham Enloe. We have a 3rd-4th cousin DNA match to Greg Enloe. Greg's father is Jefferson Halen Enloe jr. he is a direct descendant of Benjamin Matthison Enloe by way of his son Lucius Halan Enloe. I have a photo of my moms 1st cousin (paternal) that I would like to share.

          MONIQUE DURRETT |
          October 27, 2020 |
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          • Hi Monique, It's always exciting to hear our connections. I wish we had a "family tree" to lay this all out.

            Robbins Bobbitt |
            August 29, 2021 |
            reply

    • I had always heard by family that we were related and recently had my family tree done & verified by 2 historians that I am related to Abraham Lincoln & my great great grandfather was Abram Enloe. I am so glad now to have proof of this!

      Sharon Watts |
      May 09, 2020 |
      reply

      • Hi Sharon, How are you related to Enloe? I'm curious if we are part of the same line. It's so interesting to see how we are all related to the Enloe's and Abraham Lincoln.

        Robbins Bobbitt |
        August 29, 2021 |
        reply

  • I live in the town where Abraham Enloe is buried I have passed by his grave many times. This story has been told to me all my life I believe it to be true

    Cindy Hohmann |
    May 10, 2020 |
    reply

    • Hello Cindy.
      My 4th great grandfather was Abraham Enloe. Can you please tell me what town he is buried in? And, I would like to hear your stories . His daughter, Nancy was my 3nd great grandmother and our family stories relate that she and her husband Thomas Thompson took Nancy Hanks and young Abraham to Tom Lincoln in Kentucky.

      Jerry McCaw |
      August 31, 2020 |
      reply

      • Murphy NC at the historic Harshaw Chapel cemetery

        Marji Hill |
        October 21, 2021 |
        reply

    • Hi Cindy
      I M the Great Great Great Granddaughter of Abraham Enloe. Can you tell me the town he is buried in? I’m planning a trip there soon
      Sincerely
      Leessa Black
      High Point NC

      Leessa Black |
      July 02, 2021 |
      reply

  • Is that the graveyard in murphy nc? I believe he is my 3rd great grandfather on my mothers side. Abraham enloe was married to sarah edgerton. Wesley matthew enloe and malinda lollis were his parents. Their parents were mary malinda hyde enloe and nathan hyde and their parents were george jackson leatherwood and ethel hyde...my moms parents.

    becky williamson |
    May 23, 2020 |
    reply

  • Hello all, I'm extremely excited about this story and find it very fascinating. The reason being is that a Greg Enloe showed in the DNA match as 4th cousin to my maternal aunt and uncle along with other tested family members that are born Jones. The Enloes that connect to Greg dates back to Lucius Halen Enloe born 1834-1911. Is anyone else connected to this line of Enloes?

    MONIQUE DURRETT |
    May 31, 2020 |
    reply

    • Abraham Lincoln is my 5th great uncle. Abraham Enloe is my 6th great grandfather

      Stephen |
      December 03, 2021 |
      reply

  • I wrote the play THE BALLAD OF NANCY HANKS, based on the story that Abraham Enloe was the biological father of Lincoln. It has been performed twice. I encourage further research on the subject.

    Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
    June 01, 2020 |
    reply

    • Hello Ludy

      My 4th great grandfather was Abraham Enloe. How can I get a copy of your play?
      I am interested in knowing what encouraged you to write the play and how you researched the factual data.

      Jerry McCaw |
      August 31, 2020 |
      reply

      • Hi Jerry, --just send me your e-mail address to ludy@shelby.net.
        I gave a box full of copies of my research notes to the Bostic, NC Lincoln museum. I worked in Rutherford County, NC as a news reporter, later a schoolteacher, and knew the play would be popular there..

        Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
        September 01, 2020 |
        reply

        • Ludy, I would also love to have a copy, if you are willing to share.

          Cindy Beam |
          October 09, 2020 |
          reply

  • Facinating and more here than gossip. I have no doge in this fight except the truth. It should not be swept under rug any more It appears that DNA testing could resolve the question of the geneology chain.

    David Ward Jones |
    June 04, 2020 |
    reply

    • It would be extremely difficult to verify Abraham Lincoln’s parentage with DNA. Lincoln has no living descendants.

      Barbara Pendleton |
      July 25, 2020 |
      reply

    • But David what do we do with this information? I’d love to change history with our truth but I do not know how
      Sincerely
      Leessa Black
      High Point NC

      Leessa Black |
      July 02, 2021 |
      reply

      • Me too!

        Robbins Bobbitt |
        October 21, 2021 |
        reply

  • Hi David, nice to meet you, i have a photo of a 1st cousin to my mother that bears a striking resemblance to Wesley Enloe in height and body structure. His name is Dennie Vance Jones and was born 1917 to Louis Spencer Jones and Abbie Mae Taylor. He can be viewed in my Jones family tree in ancestry.com
    I wondered where the height originated from in our family.

    MONIQUE DURRETT |
    June 05, 2020 |
    reply

  • Visit the Lincoln Museum in Bostic, NC. They have a wonderful film and a plethora of materials related to Mr. Lincoln.

    Pat |
    June 05, 2020 |
    reply

  • Thanks Pat, unfortunately I currently live in Arizona and due to this virus can't travel. It is on my to do list to visit there.

    MONIQUE DURRETT |
    June 06, 2020 |
    reply

  • I did this report for an 8th grade history report. Now this was the early 80's, no internet. There was a musty book that I checked out from the library in Columbus, Ohio. I son't remember the book but I so remember what I read. That Tom Lincoln and Abraham Enloe got into a fight where Tom Lincoln bit Enloe's nose. There was some speculation as a relationship, and I was only like 11 or 12 at the time. My history teacher, Mr. Englebert questioned me and I still had the book check out and showed him. All he said was Huh, and I got an A. I just looked this up to show my kids, and I didn't know it really was a thing. If anyone is really looking into this, still. I hope this helps.

    Kim Jordan |
    July 03, 2020 |
    reply

    • Hi Kim,
      The book was “The Genesis of Lincoln” by James H Cathey
      I am the 3rd great granddaughter of Abraham Enloe. You wrote a paper that no one believes. Thanks for sharing.
      Sincerely
      Leessa Black
      High Point NC

      Leessa Black |
      July 02, 2021 |
      reply

  • I have heard this same story about my NC relatives. Nancy Hanks was employed by the Carpenter family to pay off her father's debts to them. She had a child, named Abraham, out of wedlock. Thomas Lincoln was visiting his uncle in Lincolnton (named long before Abe) and the Carpenters told him they would pay him if he would take Nancy and the child away.

    Cynthia |
    July 13, 2020 |
    reply

  • Hi Cynthia and thanks for sharing. Is your family connected to the Enloe family or the Hanks? Has anyone taken a DNA test? All of my Jones family members that has been tested all are matches to Greg Enloe amd and he's a direct descendant of Abraham Enloe. If the story is true regarding Abraham Lincoln's true paternal father then we are also partially connected to our former President. This would be a great share in our family history documents.

    MONIQUE DURRETT |
    July 13, 2020 |
    reply

  • There have been several books written on the legend, including one by Robert Vincent Enloe, a member of the Enloe family.

    Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
    July 26, 2020 |
    reply

  • Dr. Frank Enloe who was a direct decendent of Abraham Enloe left a DNA sample before his death to be matched with Abraham Lincoln's. The Family has tried for decades to resolve the issue by matching the DNA but the Government will not allow the testing. Which mean its probably true. They have the blood stained clothing and bedding from the assassination. My 3rd great-grandmother was Nancy Enloe Thompson she was sent by her father to take care of Nancy Hanks and Abraham while she was pregnant and after she delivered. My grandmother always kept in contact and was close to Nancy and Abraham. And in appreciation to her he appointed her son with a position BIA.

    Ernest Thompson |
    August 05, 2020 |
    reply

    • In my play THE BALLAD OF NANCY HANKS, it says that Nancy Hanks helped Nancy Enloe elope with John Thompson--later in Kentucky visited her. She was then married to Tom Lincoln. Because he did not take good care of her, fight erupted between Tom and Abraham Enloe--Tom bit off tip of Abraham's nose Abe Lincoln recalled how Nancy Thompson befriended his mother--gave their son a job in Bureau of Indian Affairs.

      Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
      September 01, 2020 |
      reply

      • Hello Ludy:

        Thank you for responding to my contact.

        In the book " The Genesis of Lincoln" Mr. Cathey states that my Great, great, great Grandmother Nancy and g.g.g. grandfather Thomas delivered Nancy Hanks and young Abraham to Tom Lincoln. This was the story told in my family.

        Maybe the grand folks used the delivery to elope. The story we heard is that Abraham Enloe paid Tom Lincoln to marry Nancy. Our stories say that Tom's abuse of Nancy and young Abe centered around his alcoholism and the fight did occur when Abraham Enloe went to Kentucky
        to confront Tom Lincoln. Our tales say that my grandmother did visit Nancy over the years and her son was given the BIA post by The President even though he was a Democrat.

        How can I access a copy of your play?

        Thanks again for helping m find out more about the Enloe connection.

        Jerry McCaw |
        September 01, 2020 |
        reply

    • Thank you Ernest,
      The "Government" won't allow the DNA test the same way the Government did not try Jefferson Davis for Treason!

      Bob Dean |
      October 30, 2020 |
      reply

      • I visited Cherokee NC a couple of months ago and went to the barn built and owned by Abraham Enloe. My great great great grandfather is Wesley Enloe. I live in High Point NC. She told us this story too. You are right that The Smithsonian in DC has blood stained sheets that Abraham Lincoln laid on and they can and have an ethical obligation to give us, the descendants what we ask for. Any of us that are lawyers should sue them to gain this information, but wouldn’t we change history?

        Leessa Black |
        December 06, 2021 |
        reply

        • Hi Leesha, thank you for sharing. I’m offering to have a Zoom meeting of anyone interested in this topic. Related or not, we have a community of like minded that have a story to tell and discuss. If anyone wants to joint the Zoom gathering , please reply to me with your email address so I can send you a link to join. I propose we truly begin discussing how we move forward with the truth, and work to honor Abe’s true heritage. Suggestions or interest, anyone?

          Robbins Bobbitt |
          December 10, 2021 |
          reply

        • Leessa, Here is a youtube link to a great podcast I just watched on the Bostic Lincoln Center, and shares so many details we are all discussing. It's great to watch. You can search youtube directly also.
          https://youtu.be/725uVeybQdg

          Robbins Warrington Bobbitt |
          January 15, 2022 |
          reply

    • Ernest, Yep so true, every word you said. Abraham Enloe is my great great great Grandfather. We’ve had article written about us and this exact same story in our local newspaper I believe I have every book written on this subject. There are just too many of us that know this story. I wish a bunch of us could go to the Smithsonian and swab that bloody sheet he was on. Only then will we know
      Please stay connected with me
      Sincerely
      Leessa Black
      High Point NC

      Leessa Black |
      July 02, 2021 |
      reply

      • Leessa Would like very much to stay in touch and share other family lore with you plus connect you with other family members we have a rich family history that is connected from before the founding of our country. My email is: thompson.ranch@yahoo.com

        Ernest Thompson |
        July 02, 2021 |
        reply

      • Hi Leessa, if you want to talk about ideas to push this information forward, I am ready! feel free to contact me anytime. My work email is robbinsbobbitt@howardhanna.com.

        Robbins

        Robbins Bobbitt |
        October 21, 2021 |
        reply

  • Nancy Enloe Thompson was my third great grandmother. My Grand Parents would relate the story of Nancy Enloe and her husband Thomas Thompson taking Nancy Hanks and young Abraham to Tom Lincoln in Kentucky. Abraham Enloe was said to have paid Tom Lincoln to take Nancy Hanks and her child in. It was said the fight between Lincoln and Enloe was a result of Enloe hearing that Lincoln was abusive to Nancy and young Abraham. I would like to connect with other related Enloe family members that have stories passed down through the generations.

    Jerry McCaw |
    August 31, 2020 |
    reply

    • Fascinating history being told here! One thing I wonder about: you say Lincoln was already a small child, or younger maybe, when he left Kentucky with his step-father and mother? This is interesting, because I watched a documentary on Daniel Boone, and it stated that he had guided Lincoln's parents from Kentucky to Illinois...no mention of a young Lincoln being there, much less born...curious.

      Dave |
      February 15, 2022 |
      reply

      • This would be lincoln's great-grandfather Abraham & his wife. Boone's and the Lincoln's came from Berks county, PA Oley/Exeter .

        M |
        October 30, 2022 |
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  • Your story follows along with what I have heard. My grandmother was born not far from the Enloe farm and her parents knew the Enloes. The story she was told her was that Nancy was from Rutherford county and became an indentured servant of the Enloes. She got pregnant and Nr. Enloe had a man from Kentucky to marry her. I had never heard of the fight or that she was as transported there by Enloe family members. Thank you for sharing that information.

    Kim |
    September 01, 2020 |
    reply

  • I have heard this story all my life. My Enloe relations hail from the Gilkey community in Rutherford County. Carl Sandberg was once proposed the notion of an Enloe lineage for Lincoln to which he replied “ I’ve never met an Enloe smart enough to be Abraham Lincoln’s father”. As for me I will choose to believe the stories.

    Brantley Enloe |
    September 27, 2020 |
    reply

  • I read this story a couple of years ago. Abraham Enloe it seems was a Carolina plantation owner and Nancy Hanks an indentured servant girl. In all the photographs I've seen of President Lincoln he does not appear to be a white man. All my life I've wondered about this. I have learned that Mr. Enloe was about 50% native American Indian. Now it all makes sense and fits together. Abe & Nancy were sent away to appease Mrs. Enloe.

    Bob Dean |
    October 15, 2020 |
    reply

  • I have always thought the same thing - he did not look Caucasian. My brother is fascinated by this story. Any proof that anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for an informative story!

    Cindy Beam |
    October 16, 2020 |
    reply

  • This is a fascinating tidbit of information. I could include that in the next production of my play THE BALLAD OF NANCY HANKS, if it is done again.
    Ludy Wilkie

    Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
    October 16, 2020 |
    reply

  • Also Abraham Lincoln got his genius from his real father, Abraham Enlow.

    Joan Mancuso |
    October 20, 2020 |
    reply

    • Enloe (with an E) not W
      It’s true really.
      Leessa Black
      High Point NC

      Leessa Black |
      July 02, 2021 |
      reply

  • Yes, An evil genius! Check out how Lincoln treated the Alaskan Indians. I only found out by visiting Alaska and chatting with an old guy who was carving out a totem pole. He seemed to take a liking to me for my deep Southern accent.

    Bob Dean |
    October 20, 2020 |
    reply

  • GREAT BOOK! But what ever happened to the War of 1812 in your time line?

    Bob Dean |
    November 24, 2020 |
    reply

  • even though he did what he did to save slaves , he still was a bad person

    Barbra Devins |
    January 23, 2021 |
    reply

  • He only helped the slaves for political purposes. He thought they were inferior

    Cindy Beam |
    January 24, 2021 |
    reply

  • He did not "Save" any slaves, instead they were left homeless and Hungary along with their former plantation masters. Prior to war, it was a feudalistic society. There were good Masa's and bad Masa's. I don't think Masa Abraham Enloe was very good for getting little servant girl Nancy Hanks pregnant with our 16th. President.

    Bob Dean |
    January 25, 2021 |
    reply

  • My grandmother from Heard County Ga had a sister Ellen Mooty who married Hoyt Enloe and moved to Wedowee Alabama. Aunt Ellen had 3 daughters: Kathleen, who died young; Nell, who married Stewart Smith; and Hoyt, whomarried Hugh Egerton and lived in Birmingham. I am wondering if Hoyt and Hugh were distant cousins because Abraham Enloe’s wife was an Egerton.

    Mary bowen |
    October 19, 2021 |
    reply

  • My maiden name is Short. My greatgrandfather farmed next to Hanks families in White Co. IL. Some are buried together in the old Riverview Cem. near Crossville and Carmi.

    Scarlett Imhoff |
    January 15, 2022 |
    reply

  • Regarding a comment that Daniel Boone guided Lincoln's parents to Kentucky---we know that Felix Walker, who had worked with Boone, was a good friend of Abraham Enloe's---he did some guide work during that time. He appears in my play THE BALLAD OF NANCY HANKS.

    Ludy Marvin Wilkie |
    February 15, 2022 |
    reply

  • I'm a direct descendant of Wesley Enloe and this story has been passed down in my family for generations.

    Isaac Enloe |
    May 22, 2022 |
    reply

  • Nancy Hanks did get pregnant while in the employ of Abraham Enlow, But it was not by any Enlow. Nor was it by Thomas Lincoln, I have 3 tintypes of Thomas in later life taken by Mathew Brady which are marked "Thomas Hanks Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's stepfather " in Brady;s handwriting.. It also appears Abraham E.'s house was a large busy place which people,travellers not uncommonly stayed at. In 1790 George Washington appointed a general to serve in Kentucky (and the west) when there was a bit of trouble. The general was from a large family of landowners in NJ. They may have had a connection with the Enlows in Baltimore. I;am still researching this, But in spring 1808 the general's son passed his bar exam and took a trip west, maybe to investigate property his father purchased 18 years earlier?? I need to find the connection to this son who I have seen in 3 tintypes marked:" Abraham Lincoln's natural father" Spitting image and hugely tall.

    James Ritchie |
    July 04, 2022 |
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    • Do you have pictures of the tintypes you can share? I’d enjoy seeing them!

      Robbins Bobbitt |
      July 07, 2022 |
      reply

  • My great-grandmother, Bertha McClure Stoyle....from Sarah Enloe....Benjamin Enloe...son of Abraham Enloe..... She always said we were kin to Abraham Lincoln. She was raised in western, NC. Although she passed away many years ago, I believe her to be true.....

    Jess |
    July 15, 2022 |
    reply

  • Hi Robbins, nice to meet you. How can I send you the photo I have? My email is mkdurrett@gmail.com please feel free to contact me anytime.

    MONIQUE DURRETT |
    August 29, 2021 |
    reply

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