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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
We get spoiled here on the Dope, I think. Not everyone in Meatworld replies within 24 hours, or even 48.
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.
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.