Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to this in-depth exploration of the illustrious family tree of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. As we venture into the annals of his ancestry, we’ll uncover a fascinating tapestry of characters that shaped the life and legacy of one of America’s most revered leaders.
The Lincoln Ancestry
The Beginnings
The Lincoln lineage traces its roots to Samuel Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s great-grandfather, who emigrated from England in 1638. Samuel settled in Massachusetts and his descendants gradually migrated westward over the following generations. Abraham Lincoln’s grandfather, also named Abraham Lincoln, moved from Virginia to Kentucky in 1782, where he became a pioneer and fought in the Revolutionary War.
The Lincoln Parents
Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas Lincoln, was a farmer who moved the family from Kentucky to Indiana in 1816. Thomas died when Abraham was only 9 years old. Abraham’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, remarried and died when Abraham was 21 years old.
The Lincoln Branch
Abraham and Mary Todd
Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. The couple had four sons together: Robert, Eddie, Willie, and Tad. Robert, the eldest, was the only one to survive to adulthood. Eddie and Willie both died in childhood from illness, while Tad died at the age of 18 from a heart condition.
The Descendants
Robert Lincoln had three children: Abraham Lincoln II, Mary Lincoln Isham, and Jessie Harlan Lincoln. Mary Lincoln Isham had no children. Jessie Harlan Lincoln had two children, but both died in childhood. Abraham Lincoln II had one daughter, Mary Lincoln Beckwith. Mary Lincoln Beckwith had no children, so the direct Lincoln line ends with her.
The Other Lincoln Lines
The Hannas
Abraham Lincoln’s ancestry includes the Hanna family from Pennsylvania. His great-grandmother, Elizabeth Hanks, was the sister of Joseph Hanna. Joseph Hanna was a prominent businessman and politician who served in the Pennsylvania legislature.
The Shipleys
Another branch of Abraham Lincoln’s family tree is the Shipley family from Delaware. His maternal grandmother, Lucy Hanks, was the daughter of Isaac Shipley. Isaac Shipley was a farmer and miller who owned a large estate in Delaware.
Abraham Lincoln Family Tree Breakdown
| Name | Relationship | Years Living |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Lincoln | Great-Grandfather | 1592-1690 |
| Abraham Lincoln | Grandfather | 1744-1806 |
| Thomas Lincoln | Father | 1778-1851 |
| Nancy Hanks Lincoln | Mother | 1784-1818 |
| Abraham Lincoln | President | 1809-1865 |
| Mary Todd | Wife | 1818-1882 |
| Robert Lincoln | Son | 1843-1926 |
| Eddie Lincoln | Son | 1846-1850 |
| Willie Lincoln | Son | 1850-1862 |
| Tad Lincoln | Son | 1853-1871 |
| Abraham Lincoln II | Grandson | 1873-1890 |
| Mary Lincoln Isham | Granddaughter | 1856-1938 |
| Jessie Harlan Lincoln | Granddaughter | 1861-1898 |
| Mary Lincoln Beckwith | Great-Granddaughter | 1907-1975 |
Conclusion
Our journey into the Abraham Lincoln family tree has shed light on the rich tapestry of characters that shaped the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents. From the early pioneers to the illustrious sons, the Lincoln lineage is a reminder of the resilience, determination, and sacrifice that have defined our nation’s history.
Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in delving further into the lives of other historical figures, be sure to check out our other articles on the family trees of prominent leaders, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ulysses S. Grant.
FAQ about Abraham Lincoln Family Tree
1. Who were Abraham Lincoln’s parents?
Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln
2. Did Abraham Lincoln have any siblings?
Yes, one older sister named Sarah Lincoln Grigsby
3. Who was Abraham Lincoln’s wife?
Mary Todd Lincoln
4. How many children did Abraham Lincoln have?
Four, but only one survived to adulthood: Robert Todd Lincoln
5. What were the names of Abraham Lincoln’s children?
Robert Todd Lincoln, Edward Baker Lincoln, William Wallace Lincoln, and Thomas "Tad" Lincoln
6. Did Abraham Lincoln have any grandchildren?
Yes, one: Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith
7. What was the name of Abraham Lincoln’s father-in-law?
Robert S. Todd
8. Who was Sarah Bush Lincoln?
Abraham Lincoln’s stepmother
9. What was the name of Abraham Lincoln’s paternal grandfather?
Mordecai Lincoln
10. What was the name of Abraham Lincoln’s mother’s family?
Hanks
