Sunday, March 30, 2025

A Tale of Pigs: A Statue's Story about Compassion and Character in Lincoln’s Life

 


Abraham Lincoln’s unexpected connection to pigs—a mix of humor, courtroom drama, and heartfelt childhood memories—offers a surprising glimpse into his compassion and character. While Lincoln is often celebrated as a leader and statesman, few stories showcase his down-to-earth nature quite like his encounters with pigs. And nowhere is this quirky yet meaningful tribute more evident than in Taylorville, Illinois, where an imaginative statue honors Lincoln’s humor and legacy in a way unlike any other.

Taylorville’s Creative Tribute 

The town of Taylorville once faced a creative dilemma: How to honor Abraham Lincoln, who had worked as a young attorney in their Christian County Courthouse, in a way that would draw tourists and stand out from the countless Lincoln tributes across the country? An initial idea for a statue of Lincoln on horseback was deemed too costly—at $250,000—and besides, statues of Lincoln on horseback were already common. Taylorville needed something unique. [1]

On May 28, 2005, the town unveiled something that was imaginative, charming - and definitely unique - Lincoln holding his coat casually over one shoulder, gazing down at a pig at his feet. It’s the only statue of its kind in the United States. [1]

This iconic statue - The Last Stop, created by John McClarey - is a witty nod to Lincoln’s humor and recalls his time on the Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit, where Taylorville served as the final stop. Positioned on a granite base in the courthouse lawn, the statue faces northwest toward Springfield, where Lincoln lived at the time. Its design and positioning celebrate Lincoln’s wit and his connection with both towns. [2]

A Courtroom Interrupted by Squealing Pigs 

The statue memorializes - in part - a humorous courtroom story from the 1850s. Taylorville’s courthouse at the time was a two-story wood frame building perched on twelve stone pillars that elevated the floor eighteen inches above the ground—a perfect shelter for local pigs on hot days.

These pigs occasionally disrupted court proceedings with their noisy rummaging beneath the floorboards. On one particularly noisy day, attorney Lincoln humorously rose to demand a “writ of quietus” to silence the hogs. 

However, pigs and Taylorville seemed to be a theme for Lincoln, blending his knack for problem-solving with his endearing, down-to-earth nature. In 1842, he represented James Masterson, whose herd of four hundred pigs escaped when a careless boy allowed the cows he was herding to break down a holding pen fence. Masterson lost seventy pigs worth a total of $350. Lincoln sued the negligent boy’s father on behalf of Masterson. Lincoln lost. A jury (whose members probably had unpredictable children of their own) ruled that the boy’s father was not liable for the son’s negligence. [2]

Is the pig carrying a rolled up copy of Lincoln's "Writ"?
So much for obeying the law.

A Pet Pig’s Poignant Legacy 

Lincoln’s connection to pigs, however, went far deeper than legal cases and humorous anecdotes. One often-recounted story from his childhood highlights his bond with a pet pig—a joyful friendship that showcased his early compassion for animals.[3]

As the story goes, a young Lincoln was given a small suckling pig by a neighbor, and the two became inseparable. Lincoln taught the pig tricks, played games like hide-and-seek, and wandered the woods together. In his reflections, Lincoln said, “We used to play ‘hide and go seek.’ I can see his little face now peeping around the corner of the house to see whether I was coming after him.” [4]

Sadly, this companionship was short-lived. Lincoln’s father decreed the pig would be slaughtered for food—a harsh but unavoidable reality of frontier life. Devastated, Lincoln tried to save his beloved companion but ultimately failed. “To this day, whenever I see a little pig…it all comes back to me,” Lincoln later reflected. [4]

This bittersweet memory stayed with Lincoln, shaping the empathy that became a hallmark of his character.

A Lawyer’s Act of Kindness 

Years later, Lincoln had another encounter with a pig—one he could save. While traveling as a lawyer, Lincoln saw a pig trapped in the mud. Despite his companions’ laughter, Lincoln dismounted and waded into the muck to free the animal. Explaining his motives afterward, Lincoln quipped, “If I had left that little fellow in there, the memory of his squealing would have made me uncomfortable all day.” [5]

This act of kindness reveals Lincoln’s acute sensitivity, possibly rooted in the childhood loss of his pet pig. His ability to balance humor, compassion, and practicality was a hallmark of his leadership and character.

"Liberty" Lives On 

The Taylorville statue’s dedication ceremony in 2005 was memorable. The whole town turned out. A local businessman debuted an original song, "The Ballad of Mr. Lincoln's Pig," to mark the occasion. Adding even more charm, the second grade class from a local elementary school won the contest to name the pig, selecting the patriotic moniker, “Liberty.” [1]

These stories resonate deeply with those who admire Lincoln’s humanity, reminding us of the values he held dear—compassion, justice, and a keen sense of responsibility. These qualities remain the hallmarks by which true leadership should always be measured.

An Ideal Stop for History and Lunch

For those eager to see this unique tribute in person, Taylorville’s Christian County Courthouse is a must-visit destination. The Last Stop statue, depicting Lincoln with his coat slung over his shoulder as he gazes at a pig, is the only one of its kind in the nation. Beyond this statue, visitors can explore the historic courthouse where Lincoln practiced law, stroll through Taylorville’s charming town square, and even take a short trip to nearby Springfield to see more landmarks tied to Lincoln’s life. Whether you’re a history buff or just a curious traveler, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln’s legacy—with a little humor thrown in for good measure.

And maybe a good sandwich!

These are more stories from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac


Works Cited

[1] "Abe Lincoln and Pig Statue Recall Write of Quietus". Roadside America website - June 2, 2005. Retrieved March 25, 2025.

[2] "The Last Stop statue in Taylorville". Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl - April 4, 2019Retrieved March 25, 2025.

[3] Presidential Pet Museum website. Retrieved March 25, 2025. 

[4] Iglehart, Ferdinand C. (1902). The Speaking Oak (New York City, NY: Christian Herald). pp. 176-180.

[5] Gross, Anthony (1912) Lincoln's Own Stories. New York City, NY: Harper and Brothers Publishers. pp. 31-32.

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