Full Title

Alice Strickler Keyes diary entry

Description

Alice Strickler Keyes eyewitness account of the day that Lincoln’s funeral train stopped in Columbus, Ohio, on its way to Springfield, Illinois, where the remains of the president and those of his son Willie would be buried. This account is an excerpt from the Alice Strickler Keyes diary passage in the Altrurian Club of Columbus, Ohio President's Book.

Transcription

[Page 1]
25
These grounds, at the head of State street, it was so far from the town and in such a swampy and unimproved district, that it too was dubbed “Swayne’s Folly.” Noah Swayne became most widely known as Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

His home at the head of State street was later occupied by J. Ewing Miller. Its site is now that of the Carnegie Library.

Before the “Insane Asylum” burned, the terminus of all our walks eastward, was the great flat boulder, that still lies on the sidewalk in the east Broad street, east of Jefferson Avenue.

A little farther east the Asylum Grounds ended, and not far beyond, lay “Riley’s Woods,” and the open country.

In April, 1865, Columbus with the rest of The Nation was celebrating the “Fall of Fort Sumpter,” the surrender of General Lee, and the End of the “Civil War.” There was great rejoicing.

April 14th was appointed by Governor Brough as a day of thanksgiving. On that day there were services in the churches in the morning;—in the afternoon

[Page 2]
26
and evening everything was done that is possible on such occasions to express the joy of the citizens. The town was lavishly decorated.

The next morning, April 15th all this joy was turned to sorrow when the news of President Lincoln’s assassination reached the city. The emblems of Victory gave place to those of mourning for the fallen Chief.

It was learned a few days later, that the funeral train on its way to Springfield, Illinois, would stop in Columbus, and that the body of the President would lie in state for one day, in the Rotunda of the Capitol.

At school we were told that the city Fire Department would be in the procession to meet the train at the station, and that a number of young girls, dressed in deep mourning were wanted—one to stand beside each driver on the fire engines, and many others to ride on the large “Hook and Ladder” wagon, reconstructed for the occasion.

[Page 3]
27
This plan was carried out. Forty-two school girls of varying ages, of whom I was one, rode on this car, massed around one of our teachers (Miss Sarah Smith) who was heavily draped in black and represented “Columbia.”

After the coffin of President Lincoln was placed on the splendid funeral car, the procession started back on its route through the streets of the city.

At intervals the black robed girls on the float, led by their teacher, sang verses from dirge-like hymns.

When the procession stopped at the gate of the Capitol, these girls left their float and were led into the building, and past the coffin of the President. It is said over fifty thousand people viewed “the remains” that day.

The catalogue used to carry the body of President Lincoln had a canopy shaped like a pagoda. It was large, covered with black cloth, festooned, and trimmed with silver fringe. It was drawn by six white horses with large black plumes on their heads. The horses had a covering of black cloth edged with silver fringe, and each horse was led by a groom dressed in black.

[Page 4]
28
The silver fringe used to trim the funeral car of President Lincoln in Columbus, was afterward turned over to women of one of the church societies, to make into souvenirs to be sold, and I was able to secure a piece of it.

The historian of the “Altrurian Club” (Mrs. Cope) has asked for a small portion of the fringe to be attached to this record of my recollections, and I am happy to give this tiny, precious relic to “Altrurian Club,” of which I am a charter member, and through all the years of its existence, without a break, a constant and loyal member.
Alice S. Keyes
(Mrs. Elias A. Keyes.)
[piece of silver fringe attached]


[Transcription by McCaela Michas]

Source

Ohio History Connection

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as Courtesy of the Ohio History Connection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Collection . Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please see this web page.

Tags

Cite this Item

Keyes, Alice Strickler. "Alice Strickler Keyes diary entry". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/282

Creator

Keyes, Alice Strickler

Date

1907

Full Title

Letter from Edwin Bynner to his sister, 23 April 1865

Description

In this letter written by Edwin Bynner, an agent of the Commercial Steam Boat Company in New York, to his sister, Bynner describes his reaction and thoughts about Abraham Lincoln and the assassination. Bynner comments that he is more shocked than surprised at the assassination and recalls the greatness and humanity of Abraham Lincoln. Bynner states that during his three interactions with Lincoln he observed firsthand Lincoln's intellect and perceptiveness. Bynner was impressed with Lincoln's strong mind.

Source

Massachusetts Historical Society, Miscellaneous manuscripts collection

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as: From the Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please see this web page.

Tags

Cite this Item

Bynner, Edwin. "Letter from Edwin Bynner to his sister, 23 April 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/286

Creator

Bynner, Edwin

Date

April 23, 1865

Material

25 cm x 19.7 cm

Full Title

Letter from Moses Many Lightning Face to S. R. Riggs from Davenport, Iowa

Description

After the hanging of 38 Dakota warriors in Mankato, Minnesota in the aftermath of the U.S.-Dakota War, the other 270 Dakota men who had been sentenced but not hung were sent to a prison camp in Davenport, Iowa. This is where they heard the rumor of President Lincoln's assassination. Moses Many Lightning Face, one of the prisoners, sent this letter to missionary Stephen Riggs asking if the rumor was true. It was recently translated from the Dakota by Dr. Clifford Canku/Mato Watakpe and published in the book The Dakota Prisoner of War Letters; the original is in the Collection of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Transcription

Davenport, Iowa April 17, 1865

S.R. Riggs

Well, my relative, I wish to write you a letter, we have heard news. They have said that the President [Abraham Lincoln] was killed. But someone of authority should tell us if this is not true. Thus, my relative, I write to you this letter. Also, I have heard several rumors, therefore, I want to write you this letter – it is so. The President has compassion for us, as so far we are still alive, but now they told us he was killed, and we are saddened. Those of us here think if this is so, we are heartbroken. Perhaps the attitude of the cavalry soldiers may change toward us. Tell me what your thoughts are, I want to know, that’s why I write to you. Then I wish to hear exactly how they killed the President. Then, also on Sundays when I am able, I do the preaching to them. That is all I’m going to say, I shake all your hands.

Moses Many Lightning Face This is me

Source

Minnesota Historical Society

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution, as Joseph A. Wheelock and family papers, Minnesota Historical Society. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission. For permission, please see this web page.

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Cite this Item

Moses Many Lightning Face and Clifford Canku/Mato Watakpe. "Letter from Moses Many Lightning Face to S. R. Riggs from Davenport, Iowa". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/300

Creator

Moses Many Lightning Face and Clifford Canku/Mato Watakpe

Date

April 17, 1865

Full Title

Partial letter of Nellie Blow, New York, to Dearest Mother [Minerva Blow], April 21, 1865

Description

Regarding the prevailing gloom and sadness in the city due to the death of President Lincoln. States that Miss Haines took her out riding on the day of the funeral train. End of letter missing.

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Blow, Nellie. "Partial letter of Nellie Blow, New York, to Dearest Mother [Minerva Blow], April 21, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/308

Creator

Blow, Nellie

Date

April 21, 1865

Full Title

Dedicated to the Memory of Abraham Lincoln...America's noblest sons are weeping

Description

Broadside reading "Dedicated to the Memory of Abraham Lincoln" including 8 lines of poetry beginning "America's noblest sons are weeping" copyright James Logan [Philadelphia].

Transcription

DEDICATED
TO THE
MEMORY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN

America’s noblest sons are weeping
Her daughters they are bathed in tears;
Abraham the Great has fallen---in
Nature’s sleep, the sleep of years.
Now he’s gone, we’ll not recall him
From a paradise of bliss----
Where he pleads the cause of Freedom
To a changing world like this.

Entered to Act of Congress in the year 1865 by James Logan, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.




[Transcription by: Dr. Susan Corbesero, Ellis School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]

Source

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania Libraries. Gordon Block Collection of Lincolniana, UPenn Ms. Coll. 941, Box 4 Folder 1

Rights

This item is in the Public Domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Logan, James. "Dedicated to the Memory of Abraham Lincoln...America's noblest sons are weeping". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/294

Creator

Logan, James

Date

1865

Full Title

Issue of Bulletin EXTRA: "Lincoln and Seward and Fred Seward Assassinated!!", April 15, 1865

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Bulletin. "Issue of Bulletin EXTRA: "Lincoln and Seward and Fred Seward Assassinated!!", April 15, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/322

Creator

Bulletin

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Diary of William Ellis Stork, Volume 1, Preston, Minnesota

Description

Diary of William Ellis Stork as he recounts his life and his reactions to major events.

Transcription

"Got news of Lincoln’s death and the attempted assassination of Sen [??]" (pg. 30)

"1865 April 3. Richmond & Peters burg was evacuated by the rebels & taken possession of by our forces April 9th and 10th Gen[eral] Lee surrendered the army of north Virginia to Grant Lincoln died was shot at a Theatre April 14th & died April 15th. Born July 12th 1809 Age at death death 55 y[ea]rs 9 m[onths] 3 d[ays] 16 m[inutes] President of the United States [inked line] Andrew Johnson took the oath of office as President April 15th at 11 o’clock A.M. [inked line] J. Wilkes Booth & his accomplice Harrold the murderers of President Lincoln was found in a barn at a Mr Garrotts 3 Ms[miles] from Bowling Green towards Port Royal in Virginia Booth was shot in the barn & died at 7 A.M. April 26th Harrold was taken to Washington President Johnson in his Proclamation of May 2nd after stating It appears from evidence in the burden[?] of military justice that the atrocious murder of the late President & attempted murder of W[illiam] H. Seward secretary of State incited, concerted, of & between Jefferson Davis late of Richmond Va[Virginia] & Jacob Thompson Clement Clay Beverly Tucker George N. Danders W.C. Cleary & others rebels & traitors against the Government of the United States, Harbored in Canada now therefore to the end" (pg. 74)

Source

Minnesota Reflections

Rights

Use of this item for research, teaching, and private study is permitted with proper citation and attribution. Reproduction of this item for publication, broadcast, or commercial use requires written permission.

Tags

Cite this Item

Stork, William Ellis, 1841 - 1938. "Diary of William Ellis Stork, Volume 1, Preston, Minnesota". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/319

Creator

Stork, William Ellis, 1841 - 1938

Date

April 15, 1865

Full Title

Letter of Ellen Kean, New York, to Sol Smith, May 4, 1865

Description

Describes the funeral of Abraham Lincoln in detail.

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Kean, Ellen, 1805-1880. "Letter of Ellen Kean, New York, to Sol Smith, May 4, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/315

Creator

Kean, Ellen, 1805-1880

Date

May 4, 1865

Full Title

Letter of Mary [Mary Farren], New York, to Uncle Sol [Solomon F. Smith], April 18, 1865

Description

Gives her reaction to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. States, ". . . .I presume the horrible occurance of last Friday, has thrown a gloom over St. Louis, as everywhere else. I fear the measures were so well taken that the principal criminal will escape. What a dreadful calamity to befall his family. His poor old Mother, had he no human feeling left, that he could crush her in her declining years with such a blow. Edwin [Edwin Booth] it is said is perfectly prostrated. His career in all probability blighted forever. . . .By the way the name of Actor is not in much favor here at present. I was told the Detectives watch them pretty closely. . . ."

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Farren, Mary. "Letter of Mary [Mary Farren], New York, to Uncle Sol [Solomon F. Smith], April 18, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/314

Creator

Farren, Mary

Date

April 18, 1865

Full Title

Diary of Amos Madden Thayer, March 29-May 12, 1865

Description

Amos Madden Thayer was born October 10, 1841, in Chautauqua County, New York. Soon after his graduation from college in 1862, he was commissioned 2nd lieutenant of Company D, 112th New York Infantry. He later transferred to the United States Signal Corps, where he served as 1st lieutenant until the close of the war. Following the war he moved to St. Louis, where he passed the bar and later spent several years as a judge. He died April 24, 1905, in St. Louis.

Includes brief accounts of movements and military operations during the Appomattox Campaign; account of march from Burneville, Virginia, to Washington, D.C.; and final messages that Thayer sent and received, which passed between Generals Meade and Humphreys on April 9, 1865, during the Battle of Sailor's Creek. Also includes letterbook of correspondence from Thayer's law practice in Saint Louis, 1866-1876.

Source

Missouri History Museum

Rights

This item is in the public domain.

Tags

Cite this Item

Thayer, Amos Madden, 1841-1905. "Diary of Amos Madden Thayer, March 29-May 12, 1865". Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/313

Creator

Thayer, Amos Madden, 1841-1905

Date

April 14, 1865