“Racy Revelations Promised,” White Cloud Chief (White Cloud, KS), November 8, 1866.
“Gen. L. C. Baker, the detective notoriety, has been negotiating with P. C. Headley, to prepare his annals of the National Detective Bureau during the war. A phonographic reporter has been present at their sittings, taking down the words of the General for the use of the author. It may be imagined that the volume will be racy and highly sensational.  Among other things which it will contain will be a very cruel blow at President Johnson's reputation, in the details of the case of Mrs. Cobb, the pardon broker, and some very interesting revelations in regard to the assassination conspiracy, including extracts from John Wilkes Booth's private diary.  It is hinted that the forthcoming book will contain also some very shocking developments as to the complicity of prominent Northern men with the rebellion.”

Always a "figure" in the JFK assassination.


http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/05/14/4849062/bille-sol-estes-the-king-of-texas.html

"The mural behind him depicts the tale of John Wilkes Booth possibly having ties with the Granbury area."

   Gotta admit, I didn't see this one coming!  Thanks Randal for the first good laugh I've had in a while!

4 Husbands


The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband's occupation. "He's a funeral director," she answered.

"Interesting," the newsman thought.

He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, and a preacher when in her 60's, and now - in her 80's - a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.


(Wait for it)


She smiled and explained,

"I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go."

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True, however, I think if someone actually saw Lincoln smiling after the shot, they would remember that because it's such an odd thing for someone to be smiling after they had been wounded. Agree?
I don't think Lincoln was aware of Booth's presence, maybe in his periphery view for a split-second, I'm more intrigued by Rathbones statement, albeit, 26 years later, that Booth hissed "I bring blessings to your Union" before Booth shot Lincoln. Of course that can't be proven either. I follow the Kauffman school of memory, if it isn't the earliest recall, it's worthless, but I take it a step further, I think "stories" change within a half hour  (after) an event has happened.

I've always been suspicious of those types of stories, simply because it never made sense that someone would remember such a minute detail given that no one knew it would be worth remembering given the outcome. It makes a good story, but one which will never be proven.

Best
Rob

I believe that one of the witness' to the assassination, James Ferguson stated that Lincoln might have actually been aware of Booth's presence just before he was shot. He told the authorities that Lincoln turned his head sharply to the left just before the shot was fired. Another witness (I forget who) thought that Lincoln might have been looking for someone in the audience, and therefore may have been preoccupied and not really paying attention to the play. Who knows. However, it is hopeful to think that Lincoln may have been smiling when the shot was fired.

Craig

Barry,
While doing some research on another topic, I found this.
In "We Saw Lincoln Shot" by Tim Good, on page 148, Katherine M. Evans recollection in 1915, states Lincoln WAS smiling after he was shot.
"I looked and saw President Lincoln unconscious, his head dropping on his breast,his eyes closed, but with a smile still on his face"

Untitled, SIOUX COUNTY HERALD (Orange City, IA), May 25, 1883, “When Wilkes Booth was killed, the picture of a beautiful lady, daughter of Congressman Hale, was found on his person. The incident is brought to mind at this time by the fact that the original of the picture is now the wife of the new secretary of the treasury, Mr. Chandler. Washington etiquette requires that, on state occasions, the secretary of war must be the escort of the wife of the secretary of the navy; so that in this case, Secretary Lincoln, will become the escort of the one time sweetheart of his father’s assassin.”