# Is there anyone alive today who knew Robert Lincoln? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 29, 2012, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373 "2012-04-29T23:39:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/21 "2012-05-01T15:55:48Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > As for your comment, well there were close to a 100,000 men at Appomattox. You have to clarify what exactly you mean by was present at Appomattox; at the battle, involved in negotiations, in the room when the surrender was signed or nearby, involved in the details of surrender. I think it’s the group of people in the room at the signing who are interesting. There could have been any number of men young and old just outside acting as guards, or just gathering to see what would happen. I can see at the time it was a great honor to say you were a witness. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/22 "2012-05-01T16:16:16Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The only reason this subject interested me was because I read an article years ago. I don’t know what it was about, or who wrote it, but accompanying notes mentioned that the author had met Robert Lincoln. That was the first time I realized Lincoln’s son had lived for so long. He was very accomplished in both the public and private sectors, so there must have been many people who met him. But I could also see him becoming somewhat reclusive over time because of his notariety, and probably some healthy fear about being assasinated himself. That’s interesting.If you ever figure out what kind of article that was,please tell me about it.By the way,can you remember about how long ago that was-that is,was it a long time ago or just a few years ago?If it was just a few years ago,then it’s quite possible that the person is still alive. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/23 "2012-05-01T16:29:31Z")
> [@JRyan35](#): > > That’s interesting.If you ever figure out what kind of article that was,please tell me about it.By the way,can you remember about how long ago that was-that is,was it a long time ago or just a few years ago?If it was just a few years ago,then it’s quite possible that the person is still alive. At least 20 years ago. And the trouble is the Lincoln reference is the only thing I remember. But I’m left with the impression the author was pretty old by the time I read the article, and the reference was in notes about the author, not the article itself. Searching for this subject provides a flood of Abraham Lincoln references and the Booth and assasination stories. There must be a biography out there somewhere, maybe with more clues to identifying someone who had met him. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/24 "2012-05-01T17:09:24Z")
I was at Appomattox Court House just last fall (fascinating place - well worth a visit!). Capt. Robert Todd Lincoln, who was serving on Grant’s staff at the time, was introduced to Lee after the surrender documents were signed, but was not in the room earlier when negotiations were underway, IIRC. I know of no person now alive who met R.T. Lincoln but, as noted above, there probably are still a few around. Very few. Some more info on Robert: [Robert Lincoln](http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln66.html) ---
**Author:** ![sugaree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@sugaree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugaree)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/25 "2012-05-01T17:55:33Z")
Did Robert keep in touch with any of Mary Todd’s large family after his mother’s death? If so, try to find a grandchild or great-grandchild of one of Mary’s siblings or cousins that was born in the 1910s or 20s and still lives. Likewise, look at his wife’s family, if she had any living relatives she kept in touch with later in life. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/26 "2012-05-01T18:32:48Z")
> [@sugaree](#): > > Did Robert keep in touch with any of Mary Todd’s large family after his mother’s death? If so, try to find a grandchild or great-grandchild of one of Mary’s siblings or cousins that was born in the 1910s or 20s and still lives. > > Likewise, look at his wife’s family, if she had any living relatives she kept in touch with later in life. I have to admit that I didn’t think about that idea.Unfortunately,though,although I’m sure Robert did have _some_ contact with the Todds after his mother’s death,I don’t think he had much.As for his wife’s family,I’m not certain that his wife had any siblings who had children.As far as I know,she only had two who died young.Does anyone here have an idea about this? ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/27 "2012-05-01T18:38:09Z")
The trouble with this mystery is that if there’s anyone at all who met Robert Lincoln and is still alive,chances are they’re not a famous person,and if they aren’t famous,there’s no way to find them,short of putting an ad in the newspaper.:D(Don’t worry,I was just joking.) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/28 "2012-05-01T18:45:17Z")
> [@JRyan35](#): > > The trouble with this mystery is that if there’s anyone at all who met Robert Lincoln and is still alive,chances are they’re not a famous person,and if they aren’t famous,there’s no way to find them,short of putting an ad in the newspaper.:D(Don’t worry,I was just joking.) There may just be another way. Following is the response to my inquiry to Hildene, a non-profit maintaining the Lincoln family home. > [@](#): > > We know of one person, Mrs Johnson who knew Robert and yes, she is elderly. If you’d like to post that in response to the inquiry and that they can contact our executive director, Seth Bongartz at [seth@hildene.org](mailto:seth@hildene.org) or at 802 362-3996, he’s be happy to speak with the gentleman asking the question. Understandably we are reluctant to put anyone in direct contact with Mrs. Johnson. > > Hope this helps to answer your question! > > Best, > Laine > :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: > Laine Dunham :: Deputy Director : Creative Director > Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home > Post Office Box 377 :: Manchester, Vermont 05254 :: The Shires of Vermont > 802.362.1835 : Office :: [laine@hildene.org](mailto:laine@hildene.org) :: [www.hildene.org](http://www.hildene.org) ---
**Author:** ![sugaree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@sugaree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sugaree)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/29 "2012-05-01T19:06:12Z")
Or check on the families of his son-in-laws or his grandchildren’s spouses for children on the in-law sides who could have met him at family functions. Or maybe old-timers who would have known him as children in Vermont. Frances Mantley, his grandson’s stepdaughter, would have been about 14 when Lincoln died and would be about 100 today, if still alive Whoa. What a find there in the post above? ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/30 "2012-05-01T21:21:32Z")
That’s great TriPolar!I can hardly believe it.Thanks very much for the help,and be assured that you’ve just made my day much happier.I think I will try to contact those people,but what would they be able to tell me?Can I use that mailing address they listed to ask them about the subject? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/31 "2012-05-01T21:32:44Z")
> [@JRyan35](#): > > That’s great TriPolar!I can hardly believe it.Thanks very much for the help,and be assured that you’ve just made my day much happier.I think I will try to contact those people,but what would they be able to tell me?Can I use that mailing address they listed to ask them about the subject? My post shows all I know. They responded and seemed helpful. Call or email as they suggest. Let us know what you find out. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2012, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/32 "2012-05-01T22:10:24Z")
By the way,TriPolar,congratulations on your 10,000th post. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/33 "2012-05-02T02:23:20Z")
> [@JRyan35](#): > > By the way,TriPolar,congratulations on your 10,000th post. Seconded. I visited Hildene once and it’s also worth a visit. A beautiful home, and very well-maintained. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/34 "2012-05-02T14:26:22Z")
Well,I sent Mr.Bongartz an email around 7 P.M. last night,but no reply yet;I guess that’s understandable,since he must get a lot of emails.If I may ask,TriPolar,how long did it take for you to get a reply from Hildene? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/35 "2012-05-02T14:36:29Z")
> [@JRyan35](#): > > Well,I sent Mr.Bongartz an email around 7 P.M. last night,but no reply yet;I guess that’s understandable,since he must get a lot of emails.If I may ask,TriPolar,how long did it take for you to get a reply from Hildene? Not very long. But perhaps it was because I communicated during business hours. You could send a thank you note to Laine, indicating you are the person who originally asked the question. Laine is the only person I communicated with so far. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/36 "2012-05-02T21:42:48Z")
Still no reply,and now the business hours are over too;I’m beginning to wonder if Mr.Bongartz is going to reply.I’ll post later if I do get a reply. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/37 "2012-05-02T21:46:48Z")
We get spoiled here on the Dope, I think. Not everyone in Meatworld replies within 24 hours, or even 48. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/38 "2012-05-02T21:53:18Z")
You sure are impatient. But I do understand how intellectual curiosity makes the clock run slower. Try calling the phone number tomorrow. Maybe Mr. Bongartz isn’t available, but someone else could help you. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2012, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/39 "2012-05-02T22:01:14Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > You sure are impatient. But I do understand how intellectual curiosity makes the clock run slower. Try calling the phone number tomorrow. Maybe Mr. Bongartz isn’t available, but someone else could help you. Well,I guess you’re right about the impatience.I suppose I’m just so impatient because I really don’t know what to expect,and because I am,I admit,very excited about this.Thanks for the help. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@A\_Sniveling\_Mess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Sniveling_Mess)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2012, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373/40 "2012-05-03T17:32:55Z")
42 hours later,still waiting.By the way,TriPolar,I did take your advice and send an email to thank Laine,but I sent the email late yesterday afternoon and I’m yet to get a reply to it either.I’m beginning to think perhaps the emails didn’t even reach them,because I hadn’t ever sent an email before on the laptop I was using.I’m sorry for complaining,this is just starting to get frustrating. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-alive-today-who-knew-robert-lincoln/620373.md?page=3)