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Trick
or read
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Murder
mystery involving Abraham Lincoln to be discussed Tuesday at
presidential museum
[October 26, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- While the kids are
trick-or-treating this year, why not dive into a good, old-fashioned
murder mystery -- involving Abraham Lincoln.
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 Julie M. Fenster, author of "The
Case of Abraham Lincoln: A Story of Adultery, Murder and the Making
of a Great President," will lead a book discussion Tuesday at 7
p.m., followed by a book signing, at the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Museum's Union Theater. The event is free and open to
the public.Reservations must be made by calling 217-558-8934.
Costumes are welcome, but not required.
The book examines a May 1856 Springfield murder case. A respected
Springfield blacksmith was found bludgeoned to death after being
poisoned with strychnine. His wife and his nephew, suspected of a
sexual affair, were charged with the murder. A grand jury indicted
both of them, and the district attorney was given his choice of an
"assistant" counsel in prosecuting the murder case. He offered the
position to his friend Abraham Lincoln. Stunning the prosecutor and
the community, Lincoln instead joined the defense team at the 11th
hour, and the defendants were acquitted.
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The mystery of who killed blacksmith George Anderson was never
solved. But the trial's star attorney began cutting back on his
court appearances and delivering an average of two political
speeches per week, and the Republicans went on to stunning success
in the elections. In a book that draws a picture of Lincoln in court
and at home during 1856, Fenster also offers a close-up look at
Lincoln's political work -- much of it masterful, some of it
adventurous -- in building the party that would change his fate, and
that of the nation.
Julie Fenster is an award-winning author and historian, specializing
in 19-century life. She is the co-author, with Douglas Brinkley, of
The New York Times best-seller "Parish Priest." Her other books
include "Ether Day" and "Race of the Century." She was a regular
contributor to American Heritage and has also written for The New
York Times and the Los Angeles Times.
[Text
from Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum news release received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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