Find Grave of Grandfather of Abe Lincoln

1922

Located in a Church Yard Near Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville, Ky.,—The grave of Abraham Lincoln, grandfather of the martyred president, has been found in a churchyard near here, in the belief of several Louisvillians who recently have completed an extensive investigation.

The investigators found two stones — their inscriptions blotted away by long exposure to the elements — which they believe mark the grave of the emancipator's grandfather who was killed by Indians in 1786 within sight of his cabin and before the eyes of his three sons.

According to R. C. Ballard Thruston, who made a preliminary investigation of deeds in the Jefferson county courthouse, the examination warrants the belief the land composing the churchyard is part of the Lincoln property, which included 400 acres.

Additional details of the death of the emancipator's grandfather have been revealed by the investigation, it was stated.

When their father fell mortally wounded Mordecai ran to the house and procured a rifle while Josiah darted for a nearby fort to obtain aid. Thomas, then a boy of 9 years, remained with his father.

According to the findings, an Indian seized Thomas and was about to scalp him when Mordecai returned and shot the savage to death. Thomas was released and later became the father of the martyred President.

—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, April 14, 1922, page 14.