Abe Lincoln, Dot rat? Not quite, but visit warrants statue

He never slept here, but Abraham Lincoln did visit Dorchester once, in 1848, as a congressman from Illinois campaigning for the Whig Party. The future Civil War president spoke at Richmond Hall, located at the corner of Washington and Richmond streets in Lower Mills. The unobtrusive building still stands, as a private, multi-unit residence.

Now, a Dorchester resident and Boston Public Schools high school history teacher who bears a remarkable physical resemblance to Lincoln wants Dorchester to commemorate Lincoln's visit by erecting a bronze bust or statue. The memorial would go either near the house or in a public setting, such as the courtyard of the nearby Lower Mills branch library or Cedar Grove Cemetery, the resting place for several Dorchester Civil War veterans.

George Cheevers said last week that he is forming a nonprofit organization to raise funds for the project. Cheevers is a Lincoln impersonator. He is a member of the national Association of Lincoln Presenters and visits schools and historical societies in Lincoln garb, including a specially-made long black frock coat, hat, and boots. (The full beard is really his). Dressed as Lincoln, he also sells $10 white T-shirts emblazoned with ''Remember Lincoln's Visit" for the cause, at tourist areas like Faneuil Hall.

''I have Lincoln's facial structure and cheekbones," he said. Also his tallness (Cheevers is 6 feet 10). The estimated cost for a 3-foot bust is $5,000; for a statue, $80,000 to $100,000, according to Cheevers. As for the location, Cheevers said it would be the decision of his committee, to be made up of Lincoln and Civil War buffs. For information, visit www.lincolnpresenters.org/Profiles/Cheevers.htm.

MARY HURLEY