Wilson, Douglas L., ed.; Davis, Rodney O., ed.; Graham, Mentor. 'Mentor Graham (William H. Herndon Interview)' in 'Herndon's Informants: Letters, Interviews, and Statements About Abraham Lincoln' . Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998. [format: book], [genre: letter]. Permission: University of Illinois Press
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=herndon243a.html

April 2d 1866

Mr Graham

Knew Miss Owens always — my Cousin — Kew her in Illinois about 1834 & 36 — Knew her from a child in Ky — Abe Lincoln & Miss Owens: she was about 28 in Ills — black Eye over medium size — hair black — symmetrical face — features roundish — tolerably fresh — good natured, Excellent disposition — about 150 &c — 5-4 inches — 6 — She was a very intellectual woman — well educated — and well raised — free and social — beautiful & Even teeth — gay and lively — mirthfullness predominant — billious temperament. She came to Ills I think after Miss Rutledge: She was here twice: She has Some of Lincoln's letters now. Her Mind was better cultivated than Miss Rutledge: She now says that though opposed to Abe & his ads, Still he was one of the best and Most honest men she Ever Knew — She dressed neatly — gaudily never, though she Could well have afforded it.

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 2540; Huntington Library: LN2408, 1:63 — 64

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