Jerry King

Abraham Lincoln is a hero, not just because he was one of our country's greatest presidents of all time, but for so many other reasons as well. He came from a very humble beginning, and even though he only had a little over one year of formal schooling, he was a lawyer, politician, and author of great speeches. He overcame great personal tragedy and loss, yet never wavered in his determination to bring an end to slavery, and re-unite the country. He was a devoted father and husband and earned respect and admiration.

My grandfather, Jerry King, is my Lincoln hero. He, too, started his life with a very humble beginning. He was born December 21 and was the fifth child out of twelve siblings. He grew up in a three bedroom house and attended a two-room school from first grade to eighth grade. It was in this school, however, that he discovered his passion for history.

Jerry became a history teacher at the Mt. Vernon Senior High School where he taught world history and geography for twenty-eight years. He also has been building a pioneer village in Solitude, Indiana for the past thirty-three years. Jerry is currently building a ‘Lincoln’ cabin in honor of Abraham Lincoln, who is also my grandfather’s hero. He has devoted a lot of time to educating people about history, and he has been asked to give speeches about Abraham Lincoln.

The Lincoln Cabin in Jerry's Pioneer Village (Photo taken by Gwen)

My grandfather serves his community. He is consulted regularly about Posey County history, and he is the Chaplain for the local American Legion. Even though he is now retired from teaching at a public school, he still teaches Sunday school every week, and is very firm in his beliefs. Like Lincoln, he goes out of his way to make sure my siblings and I are taken care of. He comes over every morning to take us to school.

My grandfather also helps me with my homework if I need it. He likes to take us on trips so we can experience things. Abraham Lincoln loved his children, so I’m guessing he took his children on trips too. I chose my grandfather to best represent Abraham Lincoln, because of all these reasons. I hope everyone has a person in their lives like Lincoln.