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Atzerodt Offspring
Rich, I think we're making progress. The same volunteer who gave us info on Booth's boots and the misspelling of "Independence" on his knife helped me do some sleuthing on the love child of George Atzerodt. I'm 99% sure after working with him and with the Preserve America archaeological project blog for Port Tobacco, Maryland, that Mrs. Wheeler's given name was Elizabeth B. -- not Rose. And, the 1870 Federal Census shows E.B. Wheeler as a home maker in Port Tobacco, age 42, with three children at home. The youngest is Edith, age 7. That coincides perfectly with reports that the child with Atzerodt was two years old in 1865. Now, on to the 1880 and 1890 Census to see if the child married somewhere along the way. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/30 - 16:30:32 ( # 1) |
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Mrs. Wheeler
Laurie, Thanks for the additional info on Atzerodt's child. Please keep us informed if you find anything new. In his statement, Nicholas B. Crangle says that Mrs. Wheeler had a brother James "...about two miles off, who has a family of his own to support..." Rich Rich Smyth ... Milford - PA... 2009/06/29 - 12:20:00 ( # 2) |
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Mrs. Wheeler
Regarding the off-spring of George Atzerodt, I'm going to have to check further, but I thought that the child that he had with Mrs. Wheeler was a girl. I have been following the progress of a U.S. grant that was awarded for archaeological studies of Port Tobacco, Maryland. One of the buildings that they hope to uncover is the carriage shop that George and his brother ran in that village. One of the blogs corrects the use of "Rose" as Mrs. Wheeler's first name. They claim that she was married first to a Charles Wheeler, then to a Mr. Rose, and then cohabitated with Atzerodt. Her given name was Mary, they claim, and her maiden name was Adams. I instantly wondered if she was related to Austin Adams of Allen's Fresh,who also figures into the Booth escape story. Researchers with the Port Tobacco project were recently at the James O. Hall Research Center at Surratt House Museum, so I'll see what I can track down. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/28 - 21:17:22 ( # 3) |
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Not You, Mr. Smyth!
I meant, anyone who's interested! Read about the flag here: http://www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org/lincoln.html Sorry Rich, didn't mean to imply you, cuz' you already know about it! LOL! Randal Randal Berry ... 2009/06/28 - 19:40:42 ( # 4) |
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Lincoln Flag
HI,Rich the Lincoln Flag is a very controversial issue and can not be proved either way.However I talked to various authors and read the trial documents.Where upon Neither person mentions a flag, only a handkerchief to comfort Lincoln's head.We need to debate this issue face to face,not on this forum. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/28 - 18:06:09 ( # 5) |
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Rathbone/Lincoln/The Flag
Rich, That is interesting. I had always thought the blood on the flag was from Rathbone after reading Dr. Leale's account of very little blood coming from Lincoln's wound. To read more, go here:http://www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org/lincoln.html Randal Berry ... 2009/06/28 - 14:43:59 ( # 6) |
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OFFSPRING
Offspring is such a non-family term for family, isn't it? Ok, here is my question. We know a great deal about the children of assassination conspirators Mary Surratt and Samuel Mudd. But, according to documentation, there was one other that gave birth to "offspring," and I am not talking about the alledged children of JWB. I am talking about George Atzerodt. An 1865 statement given to the trial commission by Nicholas B. Crangle claims that; Atzerodt had a common-law-wife by the name of Rose Wheeler. Nicholas was married to an Adams (Rose's maiden name) who was either Rose's full sister or half sister. Nicholas was a tailor by profession and worked with Rose for the same man in Port Tobbaco. Rose had been married twice previously and had 4 children, the eldest being a 17 year old daughter and the youngest (about 2 years of age in 1865) was the son of George Atzerodt. Nicholas saw Atzerodt on a daily basis in town and felt that he had "wronged" Rose by having a child and not marrying her. Finally, here is my question for all you assassination buffs and geneology experts...does anyone know what became of little Atzerodt? Rich Rich Smyth ... Milford - PA... 2009/06/28 - 09:44:59 ( # 7) |
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RATHBONE
Hi Herb, I have to take the opposite point of view on the Lincoln Flag. BTW - I may be a little prejudice...I am a docent at the Pike County Historical Society and once a month spend the day sitting about 25 feet from the flag answering questions. When no one is around, I read all the documentation in the files. The blood has been analyzed twice and the stains are "contact" stains not splatter as would probably be the case if it was Rathbone's. Anyway...the case could be argued either way and either way, I am lucky enough to sit 25 feet from history. Rich Rich Smyth ... Milford - PA... 2009/06/28 - 09:30:23 ( # 8) |
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Rathbone
Laurie.American Heritage shows how ancient I am.The whole series from hard covered to soft covered is in boxes in my basement.The article became very interesting when I was doubting the validity of the Lincoln Flag of Pike County.I feel after seeing all the blood on the Flag and reading about Rathbone, the flag and blood is legit.However by Historical speculation the blood is Rathbone's not Lincoln's."The Haunted major" helped me reach MY circumstancual conclusion.Thanks. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/27 - 12:22:42 ( # 9) |
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The Haunted Major
Herb - You one-upped me! I did not remember, or never knew, that Gene Smith did an article on Henry Rathbone for American Heritage back in 1994 called The Haunted Major. I tracked it down, and it is quite good. Gene is a friend and a longtime member of the Surratt Society, so I don't know how this slipped by me - I wasn't even senile in those days! Gene is also the author of American Gothic about the Booth family. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/27 - 09:25:56 ( # 10) |
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That's a no-brainer!
I agree Bloggo. For Ford's to play-down the assassination is silly. Ford's would probably would be a restaurant/bar today if not for what happened on April 14th! I was there last March, the exhibit wasn't open yet, but they had moved the gift shop from where it was originally and the new gift shop is larger. Randal Berry ... 2009/06/27 - 07:04:09 ( # 11) |
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Assassination exhibit
I first went to Ford's Theatre in 1974 Totally enjoyed the assassination exhibits Downplaying them in the new Ford's museum seems to negate the reason for the museum in the first place. If I go there , all i want is April 14, 1865 and it's aftermath! BLOGGO ... Anytown USA... 2009/06/26 - 17:51:18 ( # 12) |
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Thank you
Thank you everyone for your kind suggestions and for taking the time to answer. I will check them out. Regards -- Tina Tina J ... 2009/06/26 - 15:42:16 ( # 13) |
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Museum at Ford's
Jerry, You heard wrong about the museum area in Ford's being enlarged. It is actually going to be smaller according to two sources who work there. The whole theme of the displays will also change back to the way it was 20+ years ago with emphasis on Lincoln, the man, instead of the assassination. I believe that I am correct in saying that the focus will be on Lincoln's Washington years. The assassination display will be where the bookstore is/was, with the bookstore being made smaller. James Swanson, who I believe is on the advisory board for the Theatre Society, said that the new Educational Center being planned adjacent to the Petersen House across the street may focus even further on the assassination. We'll see... Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/26 - 15:29:02 ( # 14) |
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Artifacts
Rich; I wonder why Wither's coat, or any other artifact wouldn't be displayed. Not enough room at Fords? I thought the last renovation, remodeling, whatever was going to make the display area larger. Maybe I heard wrong. Jerry Jerry Eagon ... Elkhart - IN... 2009/06/26 - 14:44:57 ( # 15) |
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Rathbone
Tina, You will get a good start on researching Henry Rathbone if you read "Henry and Clara" by Thomas Mallon. While it is considered a "novel," it contains excellent history - and if I remember correctly, great footnotes (yes, in a novel!). The book may be out-of-print. If you can't find it, contact me at Surratt House Museum, and I'll see what I can do. laurie.verge@pgparks.com. We had the author as a speaker at one of the early Surratt House conferences, and he definitely passed the test with some of our very learned audience members. You might also consult Blood on the Moon by Edward Steers, Jr. and American Brutus by Michael Kauffman for general information. Mr. Kauffman had the opportunity to interview a granddaughter of Henry and Clara and to peruse German newspapers of 1883, that reported the sad story of Clara's ending and Henry's decline into insanity. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/26 - 12:26:23 ( # 16) |
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Henry Rathbone
Tina, try "Henry and Clara" written by Thomas Mallon. It's an historical novel but very well researched. Roger Norton ... 2009/06/26 - 11:42:34 ( # 17) |
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Rathbone
Tina J,You can find out about Major Rathbone on the net,just type in Major Henry Rathbone,OR-you can get the book"The Haunted Major".You picked an interesting character to say the least. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/26 - 10:00:58 ( # 18) |
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Booth's Knife
Jerry, Thanks for the link to Wither's coat. Richard Sloan who has done extensive research into Wither's life told me that the coat was in the possession of the Fords Theatre collection, never displayed, stored away and not, to his knowledge, ever conserved. Rich Rich Smyth ... Milford - PA... 2009/06/26 - 05:50:15 ( # 19) |
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Books, New/Old
I, too await Terry Alfords bio on Booth. Roger Norton told me about a book I somehow missed called, "A.Lincoln: His Last 24 Hours" by W. Emerson Reck. It is a FASINATING book and I wished I had bought it earlier. Also Laurie, I agree with you on Theodore Roscoe's book, I still like that book very much. Roscoe certainly did his homework on that one. Randal Berry ... 2009/06/25 - 19:15:09 ( # 20) |
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Hello, Your web page has been recommended to me because I would like to research the life of Henry Rathbone. He was the army officer in the same box with Lincoln in Ford's Theatre. I have not been able to find any books about Rathbone, or even somewhat thorough articles. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you! Tina J ... 2009/06/25 - 18:32:59 ( # 21) |
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Booth's KNife
I find the discussion about Booth's knife interesting. Just for curiosity, check the site below and find a picture of the coat William Withers Jr., the Orchestra Leader was wearing the night of the assassination. Booth evidently took a swipe at Wither's with his knife as he ran off stage, and sliced his coat. I'm re-reading a book of first hand witness accounts, and finding it so interesting how differently folks viewd the same event. Here is the link for the coat photo: http://www.picturehistory.com/product/id/2498 Jerry Eagon Jerry Eagon ... Elkhart - IN... 2009/06/25 - 13:45:48 ( # 22) |
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Booth's Kinife
Again-thanks everyone for this excellent discussion regarding Booth's knife and related issues. For some reason it makes sense to me that Booth had the knife (probably in the sheath) tucked in his trousers. I also was very influenced by the Bishop book. I even had the entire book on cassette tape (which I still own). I didn't notice the incorrect spelling on the knife-wow! Did Booth have the knife on his person when he died? William Nash ... Sterling Heights - Michigan... 2009/06/25 - 12:49:15 ( # 23) |
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Bishop
I was first introduced to the Lincoln assassination by my family's supposed ties to the kidnap plot. When Bishop's book came out, I suddenly realized that there were other people in the world interested in the topic too. So Jim Bishop soldified my addiction to the subject, and Twenty Days added to it. In the 60s, The Web of Conspiracy was my book of choice (even though I didn't agree with some of Roscoe's assessments). Then I became a volunteer at Surratt House, and my whole world opened up with first-hand contact with the major movers and shakers in the research field. From a modern day perspective, I must say that, watching visitors enter the doors of Surratt House over the past few years, James Swanson's Manhunt is the new Jim Bishop's Day book. If they don't have the book in hand, they mention having read it and becoming intrigued with the story. We "encourage" them further by recommending Steers, Kauffman, and Hanchett. We also mention The Darkest Dawn and They Have Killed Poppa Dead; and if they're really hooked, we throw Come Retribution at them. We're anxiously awaiting the new book due from Dr. Terry Alford. Keep those books coming. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/25 - 10:43:22 ( # 24) |
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Bishop's book
Yes, reading Jim Bishop's book was what got me hooked on the Lincoln assassination story. I read it when I was 12 (back in the 60's) and that was it! Then the Kunhardt's '20 Days' hit the racks. Seeing all those photos expanded what I imagined in Bishop'd book. Now I'm 56 and still hooked. Nothing to ashamed about IMO.. BLOGGO ... Anytown - USA... 2009/06/24 - 17:57:18 ( # 25) |
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Bishops Book
I second Roger on Bishops book. I was 11 years old at the time Kennedy was assasinated, and was fasinated and dumbfounded at what recently happened. (Kennedy's death). I was visitng my grandparents in central Florida at the time, and shortly after Kennedy's death, I noticed Jim Bishops book on my grandparents bookshelf. Well.....that did it for me, I was hooked on the Lincoln assassination. Many other contemporary authors got hooked by Bishop's book also, I later learned. I used to be called an "assassination buff" (that somehow had a sleazy conatation attached to it) so now I'm called a "Boothie" LOL! I think Richard Sloan coined that definition. I'm not sure though, but if the shoe fits......... Randal Berry ... 2009/06/24 - 17:56:34 ( # 26) |
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Lincoln Movie
There's positive news on Steven Spielberg’s long-awaited Lincoln movie at this link: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/neeson-starts-work-on-lincoln-film-14337370.html Roger Norton ... 2009/06/24 - 05:44:08 ( # 27) |
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Location of Booth's Knife
For what it's worth, Jim Bishop wrote that Booth's sheathed knife was stuck in the waistband of his trousers. As you know, Bishop didn't include footnotes so the reader doesn't know whether Bishop had a source for this or just used his own logic. I was talking to Randal the other day, and Bishop's book, along with all its pros and cons, was one of the very first books that originally caused our interest in Lincoln's assassination. Because many of my students could handle the reading level, I used it in my mock trial unit during my teaching years. For someone just starting with assassination reading, I would still recommend it. Consider reading it first, THEN go on to Kauffman, Steers, etc. Roger Norton ... 2009/06/24 - 04:36:25 ( # 28) |
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Sheath
I had never thought of a sheath for the knife either, but one of the photos supplied by Ford's curator clearly shows a display panel with the knife mounted above its sheath. The same volunteer who provided the information on where Booth might have tucked the knife also caught a misspelling in the inscriptions on the knife blade. Sure enough, the word "Independence" is misspelled "Independance" on the knife. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/23 - 18:37:20 ( # 29) |
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Where was the Knife
That makes perfect sense. However, I have never heard about Booth having a sheath on him. His clothes, hat, and boots has been described though. Could also be possible that he had the knife in his belt or waistband. Randal Berry ... 2009/06/23 - 17:39:49 ( # 30) |
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Where was the Knife?
I posed the question about where Booth might have hidden his knife before using it on Henry Rathbone on the night of the assassination to one of my excellent volunteers at Surratt House Museum. Not only does he know Civil War/Lincoln Assassination history backwards and forwards, he is also very knowledgeable about men's styles of the day as well as horsemanship. His immediate response was that Booth had to have carried the knife and sheath on his belt, not in his boot. First, his boots were mid-thigh and unless they had a strap for holding the sheath, the knife would have slipped down the leg. Secondly, if forced to draw the knife, the natural instinct would probably be to grab at the waist, similar to grabbing for a small pistol. It would be easier to extract from the belt. That's one man's opinion; any comments? Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/23 - 16:38:06 ( # 31) |
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Lincoln's last - Library of Congress Link
Mr. Wolf, The Library of Congress doesn't let you retain active links - they are just temporary. A better way would be to tell people how to find the specific page through a guided search on the loc.gov website. Kate Larson ... Winchester - MA... 2009/06/23 - 15:44:34 ( # 32) |
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Lincoln's Last Note - - Correction
To Bloggo, I tested my link (posted) on Senator Ashmun - - It goes to "Error".. So for one last time::: This link should work-- http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/P?mal:4:./temp/~ammem_hDUo:: There will be a transcription button on it - if it will let you in. Al Wolf ... Veedersburg - Indiana... 2009/06/23 - 13:39:14 ( # 33) |
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Lincoln's Last Note ??
To Bloggo, Try this web address for a copy and a transcription of Lincoln's note to Senator Ashmun http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/P?mal:4:./temp/~ammem_Dc0d:: The web address ties back to the Lincoln papers at the Library of Congress (for this particular item.) Have a Good Day. Al Wolf ... Veedersburg - Indiana... 2009/06/22 - 14:24:49 ( # 34) |
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Looking for a “Lincoln Excuse" to Travel Abroad?
I continue to be amazed at how much Lincoln-related e-mail I receive from folks in other countries. Because of Lincoln’s international presence it comes as no great surprise that there will be a Global Lincoln Conference at the Rothermere American Institute, St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. The dates for the conference are July 3rd to July 5th. Lots of familiar names will be there including Tom Schwartz, Douglas Wilson, Richard Carwardine, Catherine Clinton, Allen Guelzo, and Harold Holzer. The conference is co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, the Chicago History Museum, the Gilder Lehrman Institute, the U.S. Embassy in London, and the University of Oxford. For anyone interested, the Global Lincoln Conference has its own website at http://www.rai.ox.ac.uk/lincoln/ Roger Norton ... 2009/06/21 - 08:01:13 ( # 35) |
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last note
Thank you Mr. Norton BTW, I enjoy your Lincoln site. BLOGGO ... anytown - USA... 2009/06/20 - 22:52:15 ( # 36) |
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Lincoln's Last Note
According to my copy of "The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln" the location of Lincoln's note to George Ashmun is the Library of Congress. Roger Norton ... 2009/06/20 - 17:06:55 ( # 37) |
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Booth's Knife
Cudos to Laurie and Gloria Swift (of Ford's Museum) for providing the excellent information on the knife. In my search both in books and on the Internet, I found no such detail about the knife. Everyone seems to focus on the firearm that Booth used instead. Herb memtioned that the inscriptions on the knife may have more deeply demonstrated Booth's premeditation-how thought prrovoking indeed! Does anyone know where Booth may have had the knife on his person that night. Maybe in his boot? William Nash ... Sterling Heights - Michigan... 2009/06/20 - 12:39:54 ( # 38) |
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Lincoln's last note
I was wondering who is in possession of the note Mr Lincoln wrote to Senator Ashmun before he left for the theatre on April 14?? I haven't been able to find a pic of it anywhere. Does it still exist?? Thanks! BLOGGO ... Anytown - USA... 2009/06/20 - 11:39:28 ( # 39) |
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Robinson Medal
Betty Ownsbey is so busy taking care of an elderly mother, working full-time for the city of Richmond, and pursuing her Master's degree that it is difficult to get her to respond to e-mails. The medal that is pictured in her book on Powell is actually in her collection, but it is one of the reproductions that were done about 25-30 years ago. Several Surratt Society members purchased them at that time. I was too broke being a single mother to obtain one, however. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/20 - 11:25:14 ( # 40) |
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Booth's Knife
After seeing the info from Laurie,we can all see what a demented person John Wilkes Booth was.His inscriptions on his knife shows the assassination of Lincolon was pre-meditated and pre-planed.These inscriptions are an eye-opening part of history that probably most of us have never seen before.Kudos to the Ford'Theatre museum and Laurie Verge. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/20 - 08:05:43 ( # 41) |
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Gallows Crossbeam on Display in Topeka, KS
Hi all: Did you know that a section of the gallows crossbeam from the lincoln conspirator executions is on display until July 26 at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, KS in an exhibition called Lincoln in Kansas. Yesterday I interviewed Nikaela Zimmerman, the Assistant Registrar / Conservation Technician at the Kansas State Historical Society. The crossbeam has been in the possession of the KHS since 1885 when F.G. Adams, the secretary of the KHS contacted a Lieutenant Sebree Smith at the Washington Quartermaster's Office to ask if he could get a section of the gallows for their collection. The Lieutenant had served at Fort Levenworth in Kansas and considered himself a Kansan and happily shipped a section of the top crossbeam to Adams. He also included a letter of authenticity with the artifact. It's an interesting story. You can read about it at http://www.kshs.org/cool/gallowssection.htm. The interview with Ms. Zimmerman will be published sometime this week at www.awesometalks.wordpress.com. Best. Barry Barry Cauchon ... Toronto - Ontario... 2009/06/19 - 19:23:16 ( # 42) |
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Congressional Medal
Laurie, According to you dear friend Betty Ownsbey, her book "Alias Paine" has a picture of the medal on page 84. I don't know if she actually "owns" the medal or what. But it claims "Author's collection". I don't know if that photograph is the one she took, or if the medal is actually in her possession. You might entice her to come on here and explain. Randal Randal Berry ... 2009/06/19 - 18:20:36 ( # 43) |
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Me Again, With Another Knife
I received another speedy reply from the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. They do hold Powell's knife in their collection - along with other items from the estate of George Foster Robinson, attending nurse to Secretary Seward on April 14, 1865. That collection came to them from Myrtle D. Robinson on Sept. 19, 1961. The gold medal that Robinson had been awarded went in 1947 to the U.S. National Museum of History (the Smithsonian?). The knife is the Rio Grande Camp, etc. one. To get directly to the accession record requires about three lines of computer code. The easy way is to go to http://catalog.huntington.org. Run Author Search for Robinson, George Foster. Neither a physical description of the knife nor a photo is there, however. There is a brief bio of Robinson after 1865, that is interesting. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/19 - 16:13:46 ( # 44) |
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Booth's Knife
Amidst all the hustle of preparing the Ford's Theatre museum for opening on July 15, the curator responded very quickly to my request for information on Booth's knife. She sent three photos as attachments. One is actually an accession diagram giving dimensions. I will give a description herein; if anyone wants an e-mail with the attachments or a hard copy of any or all of the photos, please e-mail me at laurie.verge@pgparks.com with the necessary mailing instructions. The NPS holds both the knife and sheath. The knife bears a manufacturer's mark just below the hilt of "Manson Sheffield." The overall length of the entire knife from blade tip to the end of the textured bone handle is 11 13/16". The blade itself measures 7 1/8" in length and a mere 1" in width at its widest point. The metal hilt is 7/16" from blade to the beginning of the bone handle and 2 3/8" wide at the "arms" of the hilt. The bone handle is 4 1/4" long and 13/16" wide. The blade is covered with floral decoration and a variety of inscriptions interspersed: AMERICA at the tip; The Land of the Free and The Home of The Brave at midpoint; and LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE about an inch from the hilt. There is no description of the sheath, but its one photo indicates a simple leather, cross-hatched design of the same length and width as the blade. with the significant wording, it almost seems as if Booth had it especially designed for his moment of infamy, but I'm sure that it was manufactured in England for import to patriots in America. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/19 - 14:32:00 ( # 45) |
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Lincoln Statue Dedication
On Saturday, June 20, the Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Commission will dedicate a stone plaque at the foot of the bronze statue of Lincoln, located at the Park Blocks in downtown Portland, OR. Tom Lapsley ... Fairview - OR... 2009/06/18 - 23:59:22 ( # 46) |
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Booth's Knife
Yes,I have seen the RIO-GRANDE CAMP KNIFE.Made in Sheffield,England by Sheaf Island Works. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/18 - 16:54:15 ( # 47) |
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Bowie Knives
I have not confirmed, but I believe Powell's "Bowie" knife is in the Huntington Library collection in San Marino, Ca. The bowie knife Lewis Powell used in his attack on Secretary of State William Seward (8 inch blade, "Rio Grande Camp Knife, Wm. Jackson & Co. Sheaf Island Works, Sheffield"), that Robinson received from the War Department in 1866. The bloody knife was tossed into the gutter by Powell outside the Seward residence. It was picked up the next day by Robert Nelson who gave it to a guard stationed in front of the home. The guard subsequently turned the weapon over to Doctor John Wilson who was attending to William Seward. The War Department took possession of the knife and upon receipt of a request after the trial of the conspirators by George Foster Robinson for the evidence, presented it to him in gratitude for his assistance in fending off the attack on Seward by Powell. I believe it remained in the Robinson family until donated to the library by Myrtle D. Robinson in the 1940’s. If anyone can confirm or has additional info - please post. Thanks. Rich rich smyth ... Milford - Pa... 2009/06/18 - 14:54:32 ( # 48) |
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Booth's Knife
Thanks all for the information coming in (and yet to come in) regarding the knife Booth used April 14th. I have seen where his knife was referred to as a Rio Grande Camp knife (manufactured in England, I believe). Has anyone else seen this? William Nash ... Sterling Heights - Michigan... 2009/06/18 - 10:56:00 ( # 49) |
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Booth's Knife
"A Knife just like the one Booth used,but it is not Booth's knife."What a sales pitch!How many people from the Jerry Springer Show bought that knife?What would this forum do without Laurie and all of her resources?Who did get other 2 knives? Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/18 - 07:48:41 ( # 50) |
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Booth's Knife
Just an update - no complete details yet. Gloria Swift, the wonderfully cooperative curator at Ford's Theatre, called today to acknowledge that she had received my request for info on Booth's knife. She is extremely busy assisting with the mounting of the new exhibits in the museum portion of Ford's Theatre, which is set to reopen on July 15. If you haven't been on www.fordstheatre.org, please open it up and view the video. That aside, Gloria was able to tell me that Booth's knife is not a Bowie knife. The Bowie that they have is the one found under the mattress in Atzerodt's room at the Kirkwood. She will be supplying me with a photo and description of Booth's knife, with dimensions, in the near future; and I will immediately pass them on to ALO. That leaves another question: Kauffman cites three Bowie knives being purchased by Booth in New York in January 1865. Who received the other two? You might be interested in knowing that Gloria will be speaking on the Ford's Theatre holdings and their histories before coming to the NPS at the Surratt Conference, March 19-21, 2010. We have also booked Andrew Jampoler, author of The Last Lincoln Conspirator, and Michael Kline, author of the new book on The Baltimore Plot of 1861. We're also waiting to hear from Charles Lachman, author of The Last Lincolns. Several other invitations are also in the works. Just a "teaser". Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/17 - 16:05:39 ( # 51) |
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Booth's Putative Descendants
I suppose that the possible J.W. Booth line could be matched with collateral descendants. But that might be technically difficult because there is no direct male line alleged here. It would be ironic if there was an extant J.W. Booth line, but none of Lincoln's. J. C. Marrero ... Raleigh - NC... 2009/06/16 - 14:55:06 ( # 52) |
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Booth's Knife + After thought
I used knife manufacturing catalogs to researh Booth's knife.The length is correct-they did call it a Bowie hunting knife with a stag grip.After thought--Every catalog and picture I looked at"5"said, "that this is the Knife that Booth used,BUT in no way is this the knife that Booth used".Very amusing! Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/16 - 13:54:21 ( # 53) |
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Booth's Knife
I used knife manufacturing catalogs to researh Booth's knife.The length is correct-they did call it a Bowie hunting knife with a stag grip. Herb Swingle ... Fairport - NY... 2009/06/16 - 13:35:42 ( # 54) |
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Booth's Knife
Thanks Laurie! Yes, the knife is in the museum at Ford's. William Nash ... Sterling Heights - Michigan... 2009/06/16 - 11:21:49 ( # 55) |
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Booth's Knife
William, I used the late Dr. John K. Lattimer's measurement as my source for the 7 1/4 inches. Also, using the picture in his book as a source, and adjusting for sizes, I came up with an approximate blade width of 1.16 inches. We'll see how close that is to what Laurie may discover from the NPS at Ford's. I have no information on the handle, but I have used the phrase "hunting knife" in my website although many books call it a "bowie knife." I guess I just think "hunting knife" is a more accurate description. In other words, I agree with what you said in your post. Roger Norton ... 2009/06/16 - 07:24:28 ( # 56) |
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another note to add to that
The Booth exhumation hearing in 1995 presented testimony AGAINST the exhumation of Booth by the Late James O. Hall, Michael Kauffman, Steven G. Miller, Terry Alford and William Hanchett, if my memory's any good. These days, I question it! (my memory) LOL! Randal Randal Berry ... 2009/06/15 - 20:01:52 ( # 57) |
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Booth's daughter
And what would you test the DNA against? The "Kline vs. Green Mount Cemetary" case in 1995, effectually squashed getting DNA from Booth's remains, if I recall. Best, Randal Randal Berry ... 2009/06/15 - 19:56:37 ( # 58) |
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Booth's Daughter
About a week ago, a reader posted a question about the reported daughter of John Wilkes Booth, upon which Izola Forrester's book, This One Mad Act, is based. The late James O. Hall worked extensively with descendants of Mrs. Forrester to research this story. Two members of the Surratt Society subsequently researched records in New England also and published a small book with the ultimate conclusion that there is no legal proof of a marriage between Booth and Mrs. Forrester's grandmother, but that the birth of a daughter was not totally out of the question. The family's belief that a son was also born AFTER April 1865, with Booth as the father, runs into trouble. Did I just hear someone call for DNA testing? Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/15 - 16:27:05 ( # 59) |
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Booth's Knife
In American Brutus, Mike Kauffman notes that Booth bought three Bowie knives, along with other weapons, on a trip to New York in January 1865. After that, he interchangeably uses the words "knife" and "dagger." On Booth Escape Route Tours, I have heard Mike make reference to the symbolism of the knife blade having the words "America: Land of the Free" etched on its blade. Doesn't the NPS own the knife? I'll check with the curator at Ford's to see if they do have it and if so, dimensions and description. Laurie Verge ... Clinton - MD... 2009/06/15 - 16:19:06 ( # 60) |
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Lincoln's Early Years
My apologies, Max. It is KERSEY H. Fell, not Kelso, brother to Jesse Fell. I recall vividly that the leather wallet/diary had "K.H. Fell 1838" and "Bloomington County McLean Illinois" written in ink on the interior of the wallet - a very nice one, dark leather exterior, light on the inside with the diary tucked into one of the folds. How the wallet and diary from 1844 came to be in Waltham, Massachusetts in the mid 1990s is a mystery. The antique dealer I purchased it from, no longer in business, used to buy the contents of homes, and usually ended up with lots of paper that he sold off by the box full. This wallet I think came with boxes of items from an old New England family - businessmen, abolitionists, Civil War servicemen, ministers, educators, etc., - who seemed to have their been involved in practically everything. They were friends with poets and other writers, people who were working with John Brown, people who were moving west and settling there, people who traveled to Europe and Russia, fought in the Civil War, etc. I never researched the Fell family to try to figure out the connection to New England. Best, Kate Kate Larson ... Winchester - MA... 2009/06/15 - 09:55:21 ( # 61) |
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Booth's Kinife
I've been trying to obtain the dimentions of the knife Booth used to slash Major Rathbone's arm. Roger, from your website it is noted that the blade is 7 and 1/4 inches long. Do you or any one else know how wide it is? Some have called it a Bowie knife, but it doesn't appear to be one. Others call it a hunting knife. Also what was the handle made of? Your help is appreciated. William Nash ... Sterling Heights - Michigan... 2009/06/13 - 15:52:55 ( # 62) |
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Lincoln's Early Years
Miss Kate, thanks for your interesting post, would you mind filling me in on "Kelso" Fell, thought I was up on the Bloomington lawyers but this one escapes me, (could be my advancing years,grin) any help would be greatly appreciated, Your Obt.Svt. Max Max Daniels ... Wheaton - Illinois... 2009/06/12 - 22:01:57 ( # 63) |
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Ben: Perley Poore
Just to add a note to what Randal wrote. If you don't mind looking at them on the computer, you can also download the entire set from Google Books, although I noticed that whoever did the scanning on Vol. 2 messed up some pages. I've downloaded several books in the public domain about Lincoln as well as about the assassination. It's a nice resource. Best Rob Rob Wick ... 2009/06/12 - 08:53:56 ( # 64) |
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Lincoln's early years
Back to some earlier queries about Lincoln's earlier legal career, I once purchased, by chance, a diary (among a box lot of other items) that belonged to one Kelso H. Fell, brother of Jesse Fell who helped shaped Lincoln's image for his successful presidential campaign in 1860. Kelso Fell was a lawyer who rode the 8th Circuit in Illinois in the early 1840s, as did Lincoln. The diary includes just a portion of 1844 - March 23 to June 7 to be exact. During that time he witnessed several debates between young Abraham Lincoln and local politician John Calhoun - a former surveyor of Sangamon County who had hired Lincoln in 1833 - according to Carl Sandburg, Calhoun rigorously pursued a political career.) Though I sold the diary years ago (what a mistake!), these are my notes (for the Lincoln related material) for those who may be interested: April 3 - ...Went on to Fremont stopped with Dean heard Calhoun make political speech and Lincoln followed... April 15. Circuit court began Docket called and court adjourned for public speaking - Calhoun lead off and Lincoln followed... May 6. Left morning about eight o'clock for Decatur and get in about twelve distance about twenty miles + bad roads - court adjourned after dinner for political speaking which was carried on by Calhoun until nearly night when Mr. Lincoln commenced but there not being time adjourned until the next day after dinner. May 7. Court meet and continued in session until evening when the business was concluded no business of any importance in court. Mr. Lincoln and Calhoun kept up the discussion from one o'clock until in at night without interruption. There are mentions of other political and social figures - Edward D. Baker, Stephan Gerard, Mr. Grubbs?, Mr. Cotton (temperance)?, Attorney Jenks, Elder Chase (preacher?), Mr. Roberts, Mr. Brown, Mr. Davis, James A. McDougal, and others. Hope this helps someone. Would be happy to share more from my notes if anyone is interested. Best, Kate Larson Kate Larson ... Winchester - Massachusetts... 2009/06/11 - 19:25:47 ( # 65) |
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