The Last Lincolns

“This engaging book traces three generations of Abraham Lincoln’s descendants in the century following his assassination . . . notable for its liveliness” (Publishers Weekly).

Most books about Abraham Lincoln end with his assassination. But that historic event is where this book begins. The Last Lincolns tells the largely unknown tale of the Lincoln family’s fall from grace in the years and generations following the president’s murder.

Far from coming together in mourning, the Lincolns became deeply divided over the widowed Mary’s mental condition. In 1875, the eldest son Robert had her committed to an insane asylum. In each succeeding generation, the Lincolns’ misfortunes multiplied, as acrimony, alcohol abuse, and squandered fortunes led to the family’s downfall.

Charles Lachman traces the story to the last generation: great-grandson Bob Lincoln Beckwith, his estranged wife, Annemarie, and her son, Timothy Lincoln Beckwith. Though Timothy bears the Lincoln name, his own father believes he was the product of adultery. There’s even evidence—uncovered by Lachman—that the notorious outlaw D.B. Cooper may have orchestrated a scheme to obtain the Lincoln fortune.