On Friday, June 23, the Elijah Iles House kicks off its annual “Summer Porch Chat” series with a roundtable discussion centering on Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas Lincoln. Two conflicting schools of thought regarding Thomas Lincoln’s character have been laid out by scholars since the first Abraham Lincoln biography was penned in 1865. The first describes Thomas Lincoln as “shiftless, improvident, lacking ambition, and a nomadic wanderer.” The second paints Thomas Lincoln as “a master craftsman, a man of his time and place, and a positive influence over his son.” While this discussion will investigate the allegations behind both schools of thought, particular emphasis and evidence will be placed on the second. For more information about the Elijah Iles House and the Summer Porch Chat series, visit http://ileshouse.org or call 492-5929.