[Illustration: Lincoln was a frequent visitor to the Kelso cabin; he and Jack often sat around the table and by the cheerful glow of the fireplace, read and discussed Shakespeare, Blackstone and Burns. It was Jack Kelso who introduced Lincoln to the classics of literature.] [Illustration: Joshua Miller’s blacksmith shop was the busiest place in town. The ring of his anvil was heard from morning until night throughout the village as he shaped metal into oxen shoes, horseshoes and farm implements.] [Illustration: Lincoln, seeking an occupation that would afford him a better living than odd jobs, considered becoming a blacksmith. For a time his strong arms grappled with the chore, but he preferred lighter work which allowed him more time for studying. He also had thoughts of becoming a merchant.] [Illustration: The limbs of the great oak tree still cast their shadows across the Lincoln-Berry store. In fair weather, when housewives were busy and sales were restricted to an occasional pound of sugar or a piece of beeswax, Lincoln, barefoot, lay stretched out under the oak tree, lost in a book.] [Illustration: The Rutledge Tavern, where Lincoln courted Ann Rutledge, stood across the road from the Lincoln-Berry store. While waiting on a customer, or studying under the oak tree, he often paused to watch her as she moved about the yard of the tavern.] [Illustration: A burning candle in the tavern window welcomed whatever wayfarer might be seeking food and lodging.] [Illustration: The tavern was a pleasant and comfortable place. Every day brought new guests to the dining room. For a time Lincoln lived at the tavern; his wit and tall tales often made him the center of interest.] [Illustration: While residing at the tavern, Lincoln climbed the rungs of a well-worn ladder to the loft, where he shared a bed with E. Y. Ellis, who says that Lincoln’s wit and stories often kept the other male guests in an uproar until late at night.] [Illustration: The west room of the tavern accommodated the Rutledge family and now and then an overnight lady guest.] [Illustration: On Sunday evenings the Rutledge family and friends gathered before the fireplace to listen to a sermon and to sing hymns. Lincoln stood near Ann and turned the pages of her _Missouri Harmony Song Book_.] [Illustration: The betrothal of Ann Rutledge and Lincoln ended with her untimely death. Ann’s brother said: “The effect upon Mr. Lincoln’s mind was terrible. He became plunged in despair, and many of his friends feared reason would desert her throne. His extraordinary emotions were regarded as strong evidence of the existence of the tenderest relations between himself and the deceased.”]