After researching more than three centuries of Abraham Lincoln’s family tree, Ancestry family historians have revealed a Lincoln family secret: famous actor George Clooney is related to the former president.
The family bloodline for both notable figures links to Lincoln’s maternal grandmother, Lucy Hanks. Due to this common ancestor, Clooney is Lincoln’s half-first cousin five times removed.
For those interested in viewing records about Abraham Lincoln himself, Ancestry offers free access to more than 20,000 documents showcasing Lincoln’s life, his presidential papers, his family tree and the most pivotal moments of his presidential career.
Lincoln enthusiasts can discover a whole new side of the former president and his family, with information spanning the 1700s through the early 1900s. Records featured on the site include:
- Handwritten Civil War documents and records: One standout document is a personal letter from Lincoln to General Ulysses S. Grant asking for his son to be stationed in a safe location during the Civil War.
- Emancipation Proclamation: Handwritten drafts and an illustration depicting the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation before the cabinet, which declared that all slaves residing in Confederate territory were to be free.
- Lincoln’s family in 1860: See how the census has evolved while learning more about Lincoln’s family. After starting a free trial with Ancestry, you can view this 1860 census record, which includes Lincoln’s Springfield address and lists his wife Mary; sons Robert, Willie and Thomas; and two servants living in the household.
- Famous speeches: Find rare drafts of historic speeches throughout the legendary presidency.
- Rare photos are worth a thousand words: Images from centuries ago showcasing historical events during Lincoln’s life are included in the image gallery.
- Lincoln’s Taxes: The original IRS tax assessment listing Lincoln’s presidential salary as $25,000 a year in 1861.
“Abraham Lincoln is a monumental figure in America’s history,” said Dan Jones, VP of Content at Ancestry. “We want these records to give people a new perspective on key public and private moments in Lincoln’s life. We hope this will encourage people to begin researching their own family history.”
If these Lincoln records inspire you to do a little more digging into your own family history, Ancestry offers a 14-day free trial for all new members.
Discover your family story. Start a free trial today.