“I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears”. Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House

139 Pages·2011·3.04 MB·English

by  Michelle L. Hamilton

© 2013, 2014 John Michael Priest
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
“I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears”: Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln’s White House, by Michelle L.
Hamilton (Originally published by Vanderblumen Publications, 2013.) Includes bibliographic references
and end notes Digital First Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1-940669-52-6
Savas Publishing
989 Governor Drive, Suite 102
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916-941-6896 (phone)
916-941-6895 (fax)
To Mom and Dad
In loving memory of
Carolyn Winer,
Jennifer Lindell,
and Elijah Blum
“For of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part One
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Part Two
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Part Three
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Conclusion
Citations
Bibliography
About the Author
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the following who have helped me complete this
project. This would never have been created without the inspiration and
guidance that Dr. Edward J. Blum provided to me from the first day that I started
at San Diego State University. From my days as an undergraduate to the
completion of my thesis, Ed has served as not only my professor, but as my
mentor and my friend. During a difficult time, you allowed me to be there for
you and your family. I am indebted to Dr. William Weeks whose advice shaped
the content and direction of this book and who kept reminding me to be have the
courage to stand up for my convictions. Thanks must also be given to Dr. Susan
Calyeff who saw the potential in this project.
Without the professional expertise and kindness of the following people and
institutions who welcomed me into their midst during my research this project
could not have been completed. At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
and Museum, James M. Cornelius made me and my mother feel welcome and
graciously took time to share his insights on the Lincolns’ religious beliefs and
marriage. Michelle Gantz, archivist at Lincoln Memorial Library and Museum
kindly answered my queries and provided me with copies of hard to find
sources. Jerry A. McCoy librarian of the Peabody Room, Georgetown
Neighborhood Library helped me locate information on the Laurie family.
Megan Halsband at the Library of Congress graciously helped me locate illusive
copies of The Religio-Philosophical Journal. Finally, I wish to thank the staff of
the Lincoln Library Sangamon Valley Collection for their kind assistance in
accessing the Daily Illinois State Journal and the Daily Illinois State Register.
I am deeply grateful to my Mom and Dad for supporting me throughout my
education, supporting my passion for the Civil War, and for putting up with all of
my books. I wish also to express my gratitude to Amber Tiffany-Furuya and
Caitlin Wion for their support and friendship. To Pam Brown who keeps Mary
Lincoln alive. To my friend and editor, Glenna Bloemen who fine tuned my
writing. Finally I must thank Carolyn Winer, Jennifer Lindell, and Elijah Blum
who lived life to the fullest regardless of the time they were given. The world is
a better place because they were here and heaven is a better place because they
are there.
Artist’s depiction of Abraham Lincoln’s meeting Nettie Colburn in the White House
December 1862. Author’s Collection
Artist’s depiction of a White House seance conducted for President Abraham Lincoln
and his wife Mary at the White House led by the Spiritualist medium Nettie Colburn.
Author’s Collection