7 Questions With Larry Elliott, AKA Abraham Lincoln

In 2003,  Larry Elliott entered a Lincoln look-a-like contest in Hodgenville and began reading about this great man. After an extensive study of his life, I decided to purchase a complete period-correct Abraham Lincoln costume and began portraying him.  In 2005, when he learned that his great, great, great, grandmother (Mary LaRue Enlow) was the midwife who helped deliver Abraham Lincoln, I knew this vocation was for me. He and his wife now portray Abraham and Mary Lincoln in more than 100 schools each year as well as for other groups.  His website is http://www.larrylikelincoln.com/

1. How and/or when did you get you hooked on history?

I entered a Lincoln lookalike contest in Hodgenville, KY, where Abraham Lincoln was born. My family is from Hodgenville. I began reading about A.L. and the Civil War and all that this great man accomplished. I was hooked and I have been portraying him for 13 years in 100 plus schools a year.

2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?

Making me appreciate all the soldiers in all of the American Wars that sacrificed their lives for our freedom, especially WWII and D-Day June 6, 1944.

3. How is history part of your professional career?

I portray the man that saved America. America did not truly become America until after the successful Union victory!

4. Why is studying/knowing history important?

So we can learn from our past going forward.

5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

American Revolutionary war because it has the Hand of God all over it. The Patriots really had no chance of winning and defeating the Redcoats. God had a different plan...

  

6. How did you and your wife become Abraham and Mary Lincoln?

After I began portraying A.L. my wife began reading about Mary Todd. We decided to put together a program about the story of their lives in contrast. They were so very different people.

7. Why are Abraham and Mary Lincoln's stories relevant today?

His legacy cannot be forgotten and Abraham Lincoln would not have become President without Mary Todd. Also his legacy of his humble roots with one year of education and becoming a self-made lawyer is an inspiration to all students I meet.