The Lincoln Bible

[RJNorton]

Bill, here is a little information. On this page it says, "Origin of the Bible unknown, but said to have been opened to Proverbs 20 and 21."

[Gene C]

That's quite a coincidence:

Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is lead astray by them is not wise"

[LincolnMan]

So does that mean that the particular Bible used to swear in Johnson does not exist now? Or simply that it's origin is unknown?
Gene: nice catch on the Scripture!

[Eva Elisabeth]

Does the Bible from the people of Baltimore still exist?

[Jim Garrett]

I have asked "my source" at the Smithsonian if the Andrew Johnson bible is in their collection. When Andrew Johnon was buried, he was wrapped in the American flag with his head on a copy of the Constitution.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I suppose all the Bibles Lincoln read were KJ-versions?

[LincolnMan]

Eva: I would think so for sure.

[Jim Garrett]

The Smithsonian does not have the Andrew Johnson Bible.

[RJNorton]

(05-15-2013 07:44 PM)Jim Garrett Wrote:  The Smithsonian does not have the Andrew Johnson Bible.

Could it be located here?

[Jim Garrett]

(05-16-2013 04:04 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(05-15-2013 07:44 PM)Jim Garrett Wrote:  The Smithsonian does not have the Andrew Johnson Bible.

Could it be located here?

This has got me on a hunt. I am checking to see if it in the possession of the NPS. I am also checking the LOC. While it might not seem like such a significant relic, one has to consider the circumstances.

[LincolnMan]

Go Jim!

[Jim Garrett]

The Johnson Bible is not in the collection of the NPS.

[LincolnMan]

Wow! Now I'm really interested. Could it be gone to history?

[Jim Garrett]

The Library of Congress may have it in Johnson's papers. You never know where something like this turns up.

[RJNorton]

I inquired about the Johnson Bible and just received this nice response:

********************************************

Mr. Norton,

Thank you for your interest in Andrew Johnson. The Bible used for Andrew Johnson's swearing in is on display at the Andrew Johnson Visitor Center museum. The catalog card states:

Inaugural Bible is the "Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments." When oath was taken, Andrew Johnson's lips rested on Ezekiel 11, verse 21. Bible was transmitted to Andrew Johnson by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase April 30, 1865. Inside cover is inscribed: Andrew Johnson's Inaugural Bible.

If you have any further questions, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Kendra Hinkle
Museum Technician

Andrew Johnson NHS