A Booth Saves a Lincoln

A Booth Saves a Lincoln!


Robert Lincoln	Edwin Booth

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln's son, Robert, was once saved by John Wilkes Booth's brother, Edwin, from possible very serious injury or death. The incident happened at a railroad station in Jersey City in 1863 or 1864. Robert was traveling from New York to Washington. In 1909 Robert gave the following account of the rescue:

The incident occurred while a group of passengers were late at night purchasing their sleeping car places from the conductor who stood on the station platform at the entrance of the car. The platform was about the height of the car floor, and there was of course a narrow space between the platform and the car body. There was some crowding, and I happened to be pressed by it against the car body while waiting my turn. In this situation the train began to move, and by the motion I was twisted off my feet, and had dropped somewhat, with feet downward, into the open space, and was personally helpless, when my coat collar was vigorously seized and I was quickly pulled up and out to a secure footing on the platform. Upon turning to thank my rescuer I saw it was Edwin Booth, whose face was of course well known to me, and I expressed my gratitude to him, and in doing so, called him by name.

It is possible that this act helped give Edwin Booth some comfort in the days and years that followed his brother's assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

SOURCE: p. 70-71 of Robert Todd Lincoln: A Man In His Own Right by John S. Goff.


Robert Lincoln	Edwin Booth

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