Descendants of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis: Living Connections and Encounters

Throughout the annals of American history, the stories of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis stand as significant figures, both deeply entwined with the fabric of the nation. While Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, representing the Union, Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. Although their political ideologies were vastly different, their descendants live in the present, sometimes as symbols of reconciliation and historical understanding.

Around the Descendants of Lincoln and Davis

Today, descendants of both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis continue to call America their home. Interestingly, there have been instances where these distant relatives have met, most notably during events that promote reunification and historical understanding.

Notable Encounters

One such event took place in 1991, when the great-great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, met with direct descendants of Jefferson Davis. This occurred during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., symbolizing a bridge between the historical divides that existed during the Civil War and its aftermath. These meetings often reflect a desire to honor and understand their ancestors while promoting unity and shared heritage.

Personal Connections and Stories

I, Michele Turnage, come from a lineage that connects me to Jefferson Davis, whom I consider my fifth Great Uncle. My grandmother, Gail Mae Davis, made the connection, which means I am now related to Abraham Lincoln by extension, albeit indirectly. No direct descendants of Abraham Lincoln reside in my immediate family, and I have never met any of them.

Led by my personal story, I would like to explore the living descendants of both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis and the rare instances when these families have encountered each other. My aim is to shed light on how these two storied figures and their descendants are still connected through time.

Bertram Hayes-Davis: A Living Connection to Jefferson Davis

While the last living descendant of Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, passed away in 1985, Jefferson Davis has several living descendants. One of the most well-known is Bertram Hayes-Davis, who is Davis' great-great-grandson and an oil industry executive. At 72 years old, Hayes-Davis is married and has children and grandchildren, ensuring that the bloodline of Jefferson Davis remains strong.

Lincoln's Descendants: A Line of Extinction

Contrastingly, the bloodline of Abraham Lincoln has come to an end. While Lincoln and Davis had several children, only Robert Todd Lincoln I lived to adulthood and had offspring himself. Robert Todd Lincoln I held the position of Secretary of War during the Garfield and Arthur administrations and had three children.

His daughter, Mary Todd Lincoln, did not have any children. His daughter Mamie Todd Lincoln had one child, Lincoln Isham Todd, who did not have any children. His son Jessie Todd Lincoln had two children, Mary Todd Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln II. Both Mary and Robert Todd Lincoln II died before having children, thus ending the Lincoln bloodline.

Privacy and Reconciliation

While the families of Lincoln and Davis have a history of meeting, the exact circumstances of such encounters are often unknown due to privacy concerns. Jefferson Davis's descendants tend to maintain a low profile, making it difficult for the public to know the exact number, names, and ages of all the living members of the Davis family. This privacy is a testament to their respect for their ancestors' historical legacy.

These encounters between the descendants of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, whether through organized events or family gatherings, often serve as poignant reminders of how far America has come since the Civil War. While the political tensions of the past may still resonate, the descendants' efforts toward understanding and commemoration offer glimmers of hope for reconciliation.

Conclusion

The descendants of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis not only carry forward the legacy of two once-estranged figures but also serve as poignant symbols of historical understanding and reconciliation. Their stories and interactions, whether met or mediated, continue to shape the narrative of American history and offer profound insights into the complexities of the past and the path toward unity.