Superintendent Shares History Lesson on Lincoln

In his spare time, Mayfield City School District Superintendent Dr. Phillip Price enjoys conducting history research. He shared one of his specialties, Abraham Lincoln, with the Mayfield Township Historical Society.

Price, who regularly participates in Civil War roundtable presentations, focused on "God, Lincoln and Religion," noting that several different religious denominations claim Lincoln as a member – Baptists because he had Baptist parents, Methodists claim he underwent a conversion at camp and other such rationale.

However, Lincoln never joined a church and didn't speak specifically of a religion, but of God.

"He really believed that God had a plan for us all," Price said.

Even though he didn't belong to a church, Lincoln addressed faith and made many Biblical references in his second inaugural address, considered to be the greatest speech in American history, Price said.

Price also shared some lesser-known facts about Lincoln, including the name of his horse – Old Bob, and that Lincoln started the holiday of Thanksgiving.

He also said Lincoln was an accomplished attorney, despite being self-taught with only 20 weeks of formal education.

"He was truly a brilliant man," Price said.

Also at the meeting, society President Al Muhle also presented James Plastine with a life honorary membership in recognition of his efforts. Plastine, a charter member when the organization was founded in 1976, was instrumental of the remodeling of the Bennett Van Curen Historic House.