THE MARION ADVERTISER

October 20, 1899

 

Lincoln and the Hair Restorer.

 

            Here is a story of President Lincoln from the late Judge Carter, who was a member of congress from Cleveland during the war and one of Mr. Lincoln’s most intimate friends.  It relates to a Quaker philanthropist from Philadelphia who did not have a hair on his head, but took a great interest in public affairs and was constantly calling at the White House in behalf of somebody or other who happened to be in trouble and took up a great deal of Mr. Lincoln’s time.  The president treated him with great courtesy, although, his patience was frequently tried.  One day when the philanthropist was particularly verbose and persistent and refused to depart, although he knew that important delegations were waiting, Mr. Lincoln suddenly rose, walked over to a wardrobe in the corner of the cabinet chamber and took a bottle from a shelf.  Handing it to his visitor, he remarked:

            “Did you ever use this stuff on your head?”

            “No, sir; I never did.”

            “Well,” remarked Mr. Lincoln, “I advise you to try it, and if at first you don’t succeed, keep it up.  They say it’s a good thing to make the hair grow.  Take this bottle with you and come back in six month and tell me how it works.”

            The astonished philanthropist covered his polished pate with his broad brimmed hat and left the room, while Judge Carter, coming in with the next delegation, found the president over in the corner doubled up with laughter at the success of his strategy, and before he could proceed to business the story had to be told.         - Chicago Record.