There I Grew Up

In 1859 Abraham Lincoln wrote about his youth in Indiana when asked to enlighten the public about his life.
“We reached our new home about the time the State came into the union. It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals in the woods. There I grew up.”
Taking from this autobiographical paragraph, William Bartelt titled his book on Lincoln's time in Indiana. It is a thorough account of Lincoln's "coming of age" years when he and his family cleared the forest in southern Indiana in order to make a life for themselves. Bartelt, in true academic form, delved into the research and writings from Lincoln's contemporaries, including William Herndon, Lincoln's law partner and biographer. Herndon painstakingly interviewed and researched Lincoln's life in order to write a precise biography of his former partner and friend. He wanted, not only to enlighten, but to set the records straight. After Lincoln's death, many tales were being imparted about the former president which weren't always accurate. The public wanted a legend and the writers of the day set about giving them what they wanted. Bordering on legend and fantasy, Lincoln began to become something of a mythical icon.
Herndon interviewed Lincoln's family and friends who knew him best. Bartelt covered Herndon's interviews and his notes concerning these examinations. The book also reveals, through the words of those who knew him, Abraham Lincoln’s humor, empathy, and quest knowledge. It gives a distinct overview of the community where the Lincolns settled in southern Indiana during the years 1816 to 1830.
Bartelt is a retired educator who, for more than fifteen summers, was employed as a ranger and historian at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. He is a member of the Federal Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's Advisory and Education Committees and serves as vice chair of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
Many books have been written about Abraham Lincoln and many more still to come. With the approaching Lincoln's bicentennial, this book makes a fine addition to any Lincoln library.