|
Lincoln's Child Hearse
The Alleged Child’s Horse-Drawn Hearse that Transported Abraham Lincoln’s Son, William “Willie” Lincoln, to His Final Resting Place
This remarkable and historically significant artifact is believed to be the very horse-drawn hearse that carried the casket of William Wallace “Willie” Lincoln, the third son of President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, to his final resting place in 1862. Willie Lincoln’s death, at just 11 years old, struck a devastating blow to the Lincoln family during a time of intense national turmoil, as the Civil War raged on.
Historical Background
William Wallace Lincoln, born on December 21, 1850, was the second youngest of the Lincoln children and a beloved son. His death on February 20, 1862, from typhoid fever was a moment of immense personal tragedy for the Lincolns, especially for his father, who was then in the throes of leading the country through the Civil War. The president’s sorrow was widely known; he was said to have confided to a friend, “My poor boy. He was too good for this earth. God has called him home.”
Willie’s funeral took place in the Green Room of the White House, and his body was initially interred in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown. The story of his funeral is one wrapped in the somber details of a family and a nation in mourning, with the somber pageantry of the time reflected in the delicate, custom-built horse-drawn hearse designed for a child. This hearse would later be immortalized in the poignant lore surrounding the Lincoln family’s legacy of loss.
The Hearse
The hearse being offered for sale is a beautifully crafted, child-sized horse-drawn carriage, meticulously preserved over the years. Featuring intricate woodwork, iron fittings, and aged patina that speaks to its time and historical significance, this hearse stands as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship.
• Materials: Hand-carved wood, ironwork fittings
• Dimensions: Child-size hearse with space for a single casket
• Condition: Restored yet maintaining its authentic 19th-century character
• Features: Wooden spokes, iron-banded wheels, a softly curved roof with side curtains, and ornamental details reflective of the era’s funerary styles
The hearse would have been pulled by a single or pair of horses, fitting for a child’s funeral. Despite its modest size, the somber and reverent nature of its use imbues it with a profound emotional resonance.
Provenance
As with all historical artifacts, provenance is key. The alleged connection to Willie Lincoln’s funeral is based on oral history passed down through generations of a private collector’s family. While direct documentary evidence tying the hearse definitively to the Lincoln family has not been uncovered, the meticulous detailing and the period-correct nature of the piece strongly suggest its authenticity. Those interested in purchasing this hearse will be provided with all available research, family histories, and documentation related to its acquisition.
Furthermore, its potential significance as a Lincoln artifact places it in a unique category of Americana, appealing to collectors of presidential memorabilia, historians, and museums alike.
Historical Importance
This hearse is not merely a vehicle; it is a symbol of the personal grief that Abraham Lincoln endured while he led a fractured nation through its darkest hours. Lincoln’s ability to continue his duties despite the overwhelming sorrow he felt after Willie’s death has become part of his storied legacy. For anyone interested in American history, this hearse is a deeply moving artifact that offers a tangible connection to a seminal moment in the life of one of the most iconic figures in U.S. history.
Cultural Significance
The death of Willie Lincoln had a profound effect on both President and Mrs. Lincoln. It is widely believed that his passing deepened Lincoln’s personal struggle during his presidency, affecting his emotional state in the lead-up to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. The hearse, in this context, serves as a silent witness to the private sorrows endured by a public figure and the larger narrative of loss that characterized the Lincoln family’s time in the White House.
Why Own This Piece?
Owning an artifact of this caliber allows the possessor not only to engage with the Lincoln family’s legacy but also to preserve a piece of history that could be studied, displayed, and cherished for generations. This hearse transcends its role as a funeral vehicle; it is a powerful emblem of the intersection of personal and national grief, as well as a reminder of the delicate balance between duty and humanity that President Lincoln so poignantly exemplified.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an artifact that may have played a role in the life of one of America’s most revered families. Whether you are a collector of presidential memorabilia, a history enthusiast, or an institution aiming to expand its collection of Civil War-era artifacts, this hearse offers a rare and deeply moving addition to any collection.
For inquiries, provenance documentation, or further details, please contact:
Creek Side Auctions
Vince Orsini
130 W Commerce Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304)283-2222
* Please note that all lots in The Cogle Collection are offered after many years of static museum display, without operation or road use. The selling estate endeavored to advance all cars to running condition, however, as a result of the extended museum display, it is to be assumed that every lot will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely on open roads. All cars will have immediate needs associated with long-term static display and require sorting to perform best and safely. All lots are sold as is, where is.
Please Refer To All Pictures for Condition of Items. You Can Also Stop In And View Any Items In The Auction Tuesday - Sunday 10-5pm. Measurements Are Approximate. All Items Are Sold As Is & All Sales Are Final.
*Soda Can Is For Size Reference Only.. Not Included In Sale*
Not Cleaned - No Enhancements
|
