Abraham Lincoln Secret Life: New Documentary Unveils Intimate Details of His Personal Relationships
A groundbreaking new documentary, Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln, delves deep into the private life of America’s 16th president, offering an unprecedented look into his personal relationships and intimate connections with four key men.
The film, which debuted in select theaters on September 6, challenges conventional narratives about Lincoln’s life, suggesting that he may have been romantically involved with several male companions.
While Abraham Lincoln is widely known for his political achievements and his role in ending slavery, this documentary presents a different side of his life — one that explores his complex emotional and physical relationships.
Drawing from historical letters, documents, and expert commentary, Lover of Men provides a fascinating re-examination of Lincoln’s personal life.
Questioning Lincoln’s Romantic Life: A Different Perspective
Historians and scholars have debated for years whether Lincoln’s relationships with men could suggest something more than friendship.
Lover of Men raises questions about Lincoln’s romantic inclinations, particularly his apparent lack of interest in women during his youth and early adulthood.
In the film, historian Jonathan Ned Katz notes, “There is a lot of documentation that shows Lincoln was not particularly interested in the company of women.”
This lack of romantic involvement with women during his early years is further emphasized by Professor Michael Chesson of the University of Massachusetts, who says Lincoln may have been a virgin at 33, the age at which he married Mary Todd in 1842.
The film speculates that his emotional needs may have been met through deep, possibly romantic connections with several men during his lifetime.
Also Read: Is the Constitution Sacred or a Threat? Exploring Its Impact on Modern Society
Lincoln’s First Companion: William Greene
According to the documentary, Lincoln’s first close male companion was William Greene, a coworker at a general store in New Salem, Illinois. The two were inseparable for a time, sharing both professional and personal space.
In a letter from 1865, Greene wrote that he and Lincoln shared a small cot, noting, “When one turned over, the other had to do likewise.”
This intimate physical proximity, historians suggest, was not just a practical arrangement. As Lover of Men points out, the shared bed likely fostered a deeper connection between the two men.
Joshua Speed: The Love of Abraham Lincoln Life?
One of the most pivotal relationships highlighted in the documentary is Lincoln’s bond with Joshua Speed.
The film details their meeting in Springfield, Illinois, when Lincoln was looking for furniture for his new residence.
Speed, co-owner of a local general store, offered Lincoln the opportunity to share his large bed, an offer that Lincoln eagerly accepted. The two men lived together for four years, sharing the same bed.
Historians in the film describe the connection as “lust at first sight”, but suggest that the relationship evolved into something much deeper.
According to historian Thomas Balcerski, Speed may have been the true “love of Lincoln’s life.”
The documentary posits that Speed’s influence was so profound that he helped Lincoln develop the polished, presidential persona for which he became known.
Speed, rather than Mary Todd Lincoln, is credited in the film with grooming Lincoln for higher office.
Also Read: Rich History of New York City: From Colonial Beginnings to Global Metropolis
Lincoln’s Struggles After Speed’s Departure
In 1841, Speed returned to his family farm in Kentucky, and Lincoln fell into a deep depression. The documentary reveals that Abraham Lincoln’s friends even established a “suicide watch,” removing sharp objects from his reach.
A letter from Lincoln to his law partner, John Stuart, reflects his emotional devastation, with Lincoln lamenting, “I am now the most miserable man living.”
The emotional toll of Speed’s departure raises questions about the nature of their relationship and how deeply Lincoln was affected by their separation.
Did Lincoln’s Marriage to Mary Todd Mask His True Feelings?
Lover of Men also examines Lincoln’s marriage to Mary Todd, suggesting that their union may have been driven more by political and social ambition than romance.
The documentary indicates that Abraham Lincoln was initially reluctant to marry, but after receiving a letter from Speed confirming the consummation of his own marriage, Lincoln reconsidered and married Mary Todd.
Historian John Stauffer in the film remarks, “Lincoln knew he would be a better politician with Mary Todd as his wife,” and suggests that Lincoln’s marriage helped advance his political career, but perhaps at the cost of concealing his true romantic preferences.
Intimate Connections Continue: Captain David Derickson
The documentary also explores Lincoln’s relationship with Capt. David Derickson, who served as his bodyguard during the Civil War.
According to the diary of Virginia Woodbury Fox, Derickson often shared Lincoln’s bed when Mary Todd was away.
The film raises the possibility that Abraham Lincoln found emotional and physical comfort in Derickson’s companionship during these difficult years.
Rewriting Lincoln’s Legacy
Lover of Men presents a controversial but compelling narrative, offering new insights into Abraham Lincoln’s private life and his relationships with men.
While the documentary does not provide definitive answers, it challenges the conventional understanding of Lincoln’s life and invites viewers to see the iconic president in a new light.
The film’s exploration of Lincoln’s close relationships provides a nuanced understanding of the personal experiences that shaped him.
Whether or not the evidence conclusively proves Lincoln’s romantic interests, Lover of Men undeniably deepens our understanding of the emotional complexities behind one of America’s most revered leaders.