Lincoln, Lane & Lew
Lincoln, Lane & Lew
To begin with, the three men all shared the same main career, being lawyers, Wallace studying under his father, David, Lane under his cousin, James Suddeth and Lincoln was self-taught. All had good practices, (both Lew and Lincoln travelling all over Illinois and Indiana to be involved in cases and would guess although I never saw proof that Lane did the same) but the times also put them on different paths they shared, the three becoming involved in politics and war-times.
Abe became involved when he ran and won a congressional seat, and it is common knowledge that he lost to Stephen Douglas for a Senate seat, then wowed the world when he was elected president in such turbulent times. Lane came to Montgomery County at age 22 from Montgomery County (Kentucky) and just two years after his arrival, he was elected to the Indiana Legislature, then in 1840 on to Congress, beating his opponent by 1500 votes. In 1856, he was chosen the president of the 1856 Republican National Convention (held in Philadelphia). Nominated for governor, in 1860, he won but just a few days later he resigned to become a US Senator. During his campaign, he attended the convention and was instrumental in nominating Lincoln for president. During Congress, he was on the committee for military affairs, and was a passionate Union man. Afterwards, he returned back to Lane Place, and many impressive political and judicial folks visited (Dan Vorhees, one amazing criminal lawyer who trained under Lane; Schuyler Colfax, VP of the US; Joseph A. Wright, governor from Parke County) and his home literally was referred to as a political mecca! Lew attended Wabash Preparatory School when he was nine but only for a short period; however, Wabash gave him an honorary degree later. His law office in Covington where he began his practice has fairly recently been refurbished by a super active historical group in Fountain County. In 1852, he moved to Crawfordsville, also served a four-year term as a state senator, but it really was not what he liked, serving instead a couple of terms as Prosecuting Attorney of the First Congressional District (over six counties).
All three of these men were exceptional orators. We know of Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address and many of us had to learn that in school (I can still say it). His debates with Douglas were repeated in newspapers nation-wide, and just a short talk with the man was memorable. Lane although often ridiculed for the length of his speeches, was never challenged as per his ability. Loud and fiery, he kept his audience wide-eyed and full of wonder as he was convincing and most often would instruct them right into his viewpoint. He swayed many men not only in the Civil War (often from the steps of his beautiful Lane Place) but for the Mexican War as well. After the CW, he often was chosen “as the speaker of choice for many religious, philanthropic and patriotic organizations.” Wallace spoke to many GAR groups after the war but likely his major speaking time was during his ministry in Turkey, so loved by the Sultan and his people that he was begged to stay in their country. He spoke in 128 cities and 36 states, besides Canada and Mexico.
Lincoln’s military career is not as well known as the others, but he was a volunteer member of the Illinois Militia. By the way, Abe Lincoln despised his nickname and much preferred he just be “Lincoln.” He volunteered in the Black Hawk War. Lincoln felt amazed that his company would elect him as Captain. Reason? Obvious that they felt confidence and admiration in this fine man even as a young version of our famous President. He stayed in the same Illinois militia company for several years, reenlisting twice. Mustering out, he received $125 and land in Iowa. Returning, he shortly ran a store, served as Salem’s postmaster and also did surveying. Having met so many people, it just made plain sense to become a politician. Lew’s military feats are quite well known but basically Lew began at age 17 with an Indianapolis group called Marion Rifles. He followed in his father’s footsteps as David Wallace was a West Point graduate and served in the regular Army. During the Mexican War, Lew was a 2nd Lt in the First Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He was forever an organizer, creating various volunteer groups and continued doing so with his Famous 11th Regiment (Zouaves). He dearly loved holding drills almost every night. Speaking of Lew as a writer, he wasn’t just famous for Ben Hur, but he wrote the Zouave Manual of Arms and many other works. The love of his culturing his troops was said to be part of his success during the Civil War. Many may not realize that Henry S. Lane’s grandfather was a colonel in the Militia. Lane strongly (Bowen History) supported the Mexican War and like his brother-in-law, Lew Wallace created and volunteered in a company, being first its Captain and later rising to Major, finally a Lt. Col in the 1st Indiana.
Should be wrapping this up but a fun comparison from Crawfordsville: Athens of Indiana is the items named for these men. Lane Place, Lane Avenue, Lane House Nursing Home and even an early bank. Lincoln’s name goes throughout America on many items and Wallace had more Ben Hur items (stable, nursing home, tandem bicycle, even hairpins) so ya’ might like to read the book for other info on this comparison as well as the others.
Lastly, what is the best part of Crawfordsville: Athens of Indiana is that I used it as part of the curriculum for a course (Indiana Literature) I taught at Turkey Run. In pairs or up to three (as in my subjects here), the students were assigned a chapter and they had to present it in some way, have a lesson that went along with it and such. Three gals (Elise, Lydia and Raeann) dressed like Lincoln, Lane and Lew up in Heaven, looking down and discussing (the chapter, basically) their lives. It was amazing, absolutely amazing and that in itself made the book and this article more than worth writing! ---kbz