Harry Hahn (1934 - 2000)

       Harry portrayed Abraham Lincoln since 1961, when it was discovered in a beard-growing contest that he
closely resembled the famous "rail-splitter".   Mr. Lincoln was not only from Central Illinois, but also served as a traveling lawyer in the 8th Judicial Circuit, which met in Mount Pulaski twice a year between the years 1849 - 1853.  Mount Pulaski had become the Logan County Seat in early 1848 and the local townspeople put their money and labor together to build the courthouse, which is now a Illinois State Historical Site.  The county seat transferred to Lincoln, Illinois (10 mi NW) in late 1853.  Young Abe stayed at the Mount Pulaski House Hotel and in various "more comfortable" homes during his law business here.

       Harry Hahn excelled in basketball throughout his grade and high school years, helping his teams garner many championships along the way.  His 6' 4" frame, shoe size, course black hair, rugged facial features, and several other aspects were identical or nearly identical to the 16th President of the United States.  

       When Mr. Hahn made appearances in front of crowds, a hush would overcome the people as they saw in his walk, talk and appearance an unbelievable resemblance to the fallen president.  Hahn won many contests in portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois and throughout the USA.  Mr. Hahn appeared on television, radio and in many newspapers and magazines throughout the land. 

       Mr. Hahn met an untimely death following a performance in a grade school auditorium.  A memorial fund was set up and continues to gather monies for the up-keep of the Mount Pulaski Township Historical Society Museum, which is located directly across the street from the courthouse. 

see obituary in Lincoln Daily New


Harry Hahn, portraying Abraham Lincoln, stands next to Ronald Reagan in Lincoln Square in October, 1980.  Reagan was the Republican Presidential Candidate and went on to serve two terms as the 
President of the United States (1980-1988).

President Lincoln. taken in October of 1862 after the Battle of Antietam.  A trip had been planned to talk with the Generals and to see what the morale of the soldiers was.

These photos are courtesy of Harry's son, Steven M. Hahn, who is an amateur photographer.  The only photo here not of Harry Hahn is the Antietam one.