who taught Abraham Lincoln to read?

Question

his school was located in KY and Caleb Hazel taught him arithmatic, but who taught him to read

In addition to Caleb Hazel at the "Blab School" (as it was called) (in fact the schoolmaster) was Zachariah Riney and according to Lincoln's biography by Carl Sandberg, Riney taught Lincoln how to read. Riney lived to be 90 years old and outlived Lincoln. He is buried on the grounds at Gethsemane Monastery in Gethsamane KY. This fact is also attested to in the film presentation at the Lincoln Log Cabin Shrine in KY.

Answer 1

Probably a combination of people:

1.) Caleb Hazel who taught him arithmetic (Usually one room schoolhouses had only one teacher who taught all subjects.);

2.) His sister Sarah who had attended school with him;

and, most importantly,

3.) His stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln, who provided him with books, including one of his favorites, "Robinson Crusoe." Providing an environment where learning was encouraged cannot be overemphasized in its importance to a young mind.

To quote from the source below:

"It seems young Abraham took to his new mother right away. Among her belongings were several books including Webster's Speller and Robinson Crusoe. Sarah provided a refreshing new home life for both Lincoln children. Although Sarah was illiterate herself, she seems to have greatly encouraged Abraham's studious habits. She told William Herndon that "Abe was the best boy I ever saw" and that he "never gave me a cross word or look." Additionally she tried to persuade Thomas Lincoln to look more kindly on Abraham's reading habits. Her influence on Abraham was excellent, and the two grew to love each other. "

Answer 2

"His teachers in the pioneer schools" according to http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/presidents/lincoln/youth_1

"Abraham and Sarah briefly attended school taught by Caleb Hazel, a neighbor." according to www.members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln23.html

Answer 3

His mother. Read your history book.