Hon. Abraham Lincoln, born Kentucky, February 12, 1809

Lincoln was beardless during his campaign but by the time his inaugural train traveled through New York State, he had grown a beard. At the town of Westfield in Chautauqua County, he said to the crowd: Some three months ago, I received a letter from a young lady here [Grace Bedell] . . . and she advised me to let my whiskers grow, as it would improve my personal appearance; acting partly on her suggestion, I have done so; and now, if she is here, I would like to see her. . . . A small boy . . . cried out, there she is, Mr. LINCOLN, pointing to a beautiful girl . . . who was blushing.