William Mentor Graham (1800-1886) - Find a Grave Memorial

Abraham Lincoln's Tutor. Mentor Graham, as he was known to the locals, was born in Kentucky to a poor farming family. He had a great thirst for knowledge and was the star student at the village school. By the age of 16 he was the headmaster. By the age of 17 he was married, the Graham’s had 11 children. Graham taught Lincoln surveying, mathematics, reading, writing and Shakespeare. The two men enjoyed walking the woods and discussing events of the day. Not only was he a teacher he was also Lincoln’s friend. He was often seen wearing a long shawl made by his wife Sarah and would wrap the little children in the shawl and carry them home from school. He taught school for over 50 years. 5000 students received an education from him but of those Lincoln was one of the most notable. Later, he would move to South Dakota with his family where he would get back into farming as he acquired 160 acres. Although he died in South Dakota he would later be reburied in New Salem, Illinois. His home in South Dakota is now a museum and is open daily for tours. There is also a dedicated highway mile marker 719 near his birth place in Kentucky.

Bio by: TREWPhoto