Old Bob facts for kids
Old Bob caparisoned in a mourning blanket at Abraham Lincoln's funeral
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| Other name(s) | Old Robin (unconfirmed) |
|---|---|
| Species | Equus ferus |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | c. 1849 |
| Occupation | Driving horse |
| Appearance | Bay |
Old Bob, also sometimes called Old Robin, was a special horse owned by Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln used Old Bob to pull his carriage before he became the President of the United States. This loyal horse even took part in Lincoln's funeral. We don't know exactly when Old Bob died, but Lincoln sold him to a man named John Flynn in 1860.
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What Was Old Bob's Name?
There's a bit of a puzzle about Old Bob's name. Some people called him "Old Bob," while others knew him as "Old Robin." "Old Bob" is the name most people use today. It's thought that Lincoln called him "Old Bob" to avoid confusion. Lincoln's son was named Robert, and he was often called "young Bob."
Old Bob's Early Life with Lincoln
Lincoln got Old Bob when he was working as a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. He used Old Bob as a carriage horse. The horse helped Lincoln travel to different towns for his law work. This was important because not all areas had train tracks yet.
Old Bob took the place of Lincoln's older horse, Old Buck, who was too old to work regularly. Old Bob lived in a barn behind Lincoln's home. Another horse owned by Lincoln, named Old Tom, also lived there.
After Lincoln Became President
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States. Before he moved to Washington, D.C., Lincoln sold Old Bob. He sold the horse to John Flynn, who was a drayman in Springfield. A drayman is someone who uses a horse and cart to deliver goods.
By 1865, Old Bob was enjoying his retirement. However, on April 4 of that year, he was brought out for a special event. He joined a parade in Springfield. This parade celebrated the end of the American Civil War and the capture of Richmond, Virginia. Old Bob wore a red, white, and blue blanket for the celebration.
Old Bob at Lincoln's Funeral
After Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Old Bob was called back to duty. He took part in the funeral procession in Springfield. Old Bob wore a black mourning blanket with silver decorations.
Henry Brown, a minister and friend of the Lincoln family, led Old Bob. The horse walked right behind Lincoln's hearse. He was in front of the carriage carrying Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Some say that Robert Lincoln and Old Bob were the only family members at the funeral.
After the funeral, some showmen wanted to buy Old Bob. They hoped to put him on display for people to see. But John Flynn, Old Bob's owner, said no to their offers. We don't know what happened to Old Bob after that.
Old Bob's Lasting Legacy
Old Bob is remembered today in several ways. In 2008, a statue of Abraham Lincoln with a horse was placed at President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home. This horse was designed to look like Old Bob. The artists studied a photo of Old Bob to create the statue.
In 2015, people in Springfield recreated Lincoln's funeral procession. A horse named Glory, who was in the movie Lincoln, played the part of Old Bob. That same year, a children's book about Old Bob was published. It was called An Affectionate Farewell: The Story of Old Abe and Old Bob.
