Lincoln Family Pageant

Harriet Hanks, daughter of Dennis Hanks, Charleston

Howdy, friends.   My name is Harriet Hanks.  I am the daughter of Dennis Hanks of Charleston.  I am a 3rd cousin of Abraham, and am guests of the Lincolns for a time, to finish my eddication here at Springfield.

Abraham and Mary invited me to come on over to Springfield for a spell.  My father said yes, and here I am.

I am doing well in my schooling, but I have to work very hard for Mary Lincoln.  She is rather demanding, and sometimes treats me like a hired hand.  I don't pay much attention.  She is one of those ladies that like to wear white gloves and be fancy.  I'm just what I am, and doing an OK job with that. 

Right now, while all the Todd girls are meet'n in their re-union, I have to keep busy helping Mary in the kitchen.  She likes to cook nice big meals, and wants to make sure that her parlor is kept very neat and clean.

That brings up another subject-- the Lincoln boys.  They are a handful, and I have to get on them all the time to not undo what I did.

I love them all.  Willie and Eddy are my favorites, and it seems that Willie is most like my cousin Abraham.

I especially like it when Abraham takes me up to the office so I visit with Mr. Herndon and the people as he walks along the sidewalk from home.  He knows everybody, and tells more stories than anyone I know-- even my daddy Dennis Hanks, who also can tell great stories.

Have fun on your visit today.