John A.
Breckenridge was the foremost lawyer in the community, and was famed as an advocate in criminal cases.

Lincoln was sure to be present when he spoke.

Doing the chores in the morning, he would walk to Booneville, the county seat of Warwick County, seventeen miles away, then home in time to do the chores at night, repeating this day after day.

The lawyer soon came to know him.

Years afterwards, when Lincoln was President, a venerable gentleman one day entered his office in the White House, and standing before him said: 'Mr.President, you don't know me.' Mr.
Lincoln eyed him sharply for a moment, and then quickly replied with a smile, 'Yes I do.