This quarterly program, Medical Maladies of Our 16th President, presented by Dr.
George Crickard III and the Hancock County Historical Society, is on April 18, 2026 at 7
PM at the Carthage Community Center, 301 E. Main St., Carthage, IL.
Abraham Lincoln is noted by historians as one of the great presidents of the United
States. His leadership through turbulent times defined his character as a leader of the
people, by the people, and for the people. You wonder, what kind of toll would this take
on his health?
Dr. George Crickard III, Quincy native, will take the audience on a “deep dive” into
Lincoln’s medical history. A review of the rumors, stories, and falsehoods that have
circulated in historical lore, Dr. Crickard will help define the true medical maladies of
Lincoln.
Crickard will outline Lincoln’s melancholy and examine those known ailments that
include his bout with smallpox in 1863 and, quite possibly, contracting malaria twice as
a young adult. Perhaps, you remember reading about Abe being kicked in the head by a
horse as a child? Despite these health issues, Crickard will help us understand the
remarkable resilience of Abraham Lincoln.
As a passionate Quincy Orthopedic Surgeon for close to 30 years, Dr. Crickard also has
a passion for history. In planning family vacations, the element to learn took the Crickard
family to many museums and national landmarks. His interest here lit a spark and
reading and researching history has led him to the opportunities such as this program!
A 1984 graduate of Quincy High School, 1988 BS degree and 1992 MD degree from
Northwestern University, this educational experience led him on a path as a successful
orthopedic surgeon. He landed in his hometown and has been part of the Quincy
Medical Group since 1998. Dr. Crickard loves to share this story of the medical
maladies of Abe Lincoln.