Many educated southerners who are fair minded and can deal with historical facts (such as those appearing in the current issues of National Geographic or U.S.News and World Report to name a few) would agree with the magnificent contributions Lincoln made to build this nation.
Of course, there are those with hillbilly mentalities ( north and south) who will always act and decide from emotion rather than reason...I guess its more fun that way.
I am FAR from "Hillbilly" as you put it. I have a Masters in US and Texas History, and a bachelors in World History, so I am quite educated. The difference is, I look at the historical facts, and can look at the truth, without the "hero" worship in it. Lincoln started this country down the road to big government, and destroyed our republic, in his attempt to "save" it. The only thing good that came from his actions, was that slaves were freed. But the price to our country was NOT worth it.