President Lincoln's ancestors lived in Rockingham County, Virginia before the Revolutionary War and his cousins, carrying the Lincoln name, remained until very recently. His great-grandparents are buried in the local family cemetery as are 4 additional generations of Lincolns. Abe's grandparents lived and married here and all their children, including the president's father Tom, were born in Rockingham County. While in Congress, Lincoln wrote his Rockingham cousins to ask for more information about the family. In addition to reviewing the local connections, the course will include a general biography of Lincoln and observations about his qualities as a leader as well as his legacy. We will address such matters as his religion, his marriage, whether he was prepared for the presidency and the war, his attitude toward slavery and race, the challenges he faced as as president. We will also address the question of whether he presents a worthy role model for current presidents and other leaders.



Phillip Stone is a graduate of Bridgewater College and UVA Law School, former president of Sweet Briar and Bridgewater Colleges, member of national and state Commissions to commemorate 200th birthday of Lincoln, Founder and President of the Lincoln Society of Virginia. He has taught 3 times at LLI, and is a member of Lincoln Symposium Advisory Board and frequent lecturer on Lincoln.