Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, or JFK, were two of the most revered Presidents in American history. Both had progressively successful and transformative tenures in office until it was cut short by unfortunate events. Over the years, intriguing parallels have emerged between their lives and careers, sparking fascination and debate among historians and the public alike. While some of these connections are grounded in truth, the majority can be mere coincidences.
Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were elected and sworn into presidency 100 years apart
Many urban folklorists suggest that people have drawn connections between the two Presidents as a way to make sense of the most tragic events in history. It is a fact that Lincoln was elected to the Congress in 1846 and sworn into presidency in 1860. A century later, Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946 and sworn into presidency in 1960. However, the fact that their election years are 100 years apart is simply a coincidence, as federal elections are held only in even-numbered years.
Both married in their 30s
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. He married Mary Anne Todd on November 4, 1842, at the age of 33. Coincidentally enough, John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917. He was 36 years old when he married Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953.
Lincoln and Kennedy both had sons
Abraham and Mary had a son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Meanwhile, JFK and Jacqueline also had one son, John F. Kennedy Jr.
Both presidents were succeeded by Southerners, named Johnson
As the rule goes – the vice president of the United States will preside over the U.S. Senate and take over the role and duties of the president in case the elected president is unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities. Thus, it was expected that both Kennedy and Lincoln would be succeeded by their Vice Presidents. Additionally, it is common for presidential candidates to select running mates from different regions of the country in order to broaden their voter base. This practice increased the likelihood that both Lincoln and Kennedy would choose southerners as their vice presidential candidates. Besides, “Johnson” is one of the most common and widely used last names in America. So naturally, Lincoln was succeeded by Vice President Andrew Johnson, while Lyndon B. Johnson succeeded JFK as the President.
The vice presidents of both were born a hundred years apart
Vice President Andrew Johnson was born on December 29, 1808. Meanwhile, Lyndon Johnson, who was vice president and successor to Kennedy, was born 100 years later on August 27, 1908.
The last names of both presidents have seven letters and the first names of their VPs contain six letters
The last names of both former presidents consist of seven letters, which is an intriguing coincidence. Additionally, there’s another interesting connection – both of their vice presidents had first names with six letters. Lincoln’s vice president was Andrew Johnson, while JFK’s vice president was Lyndon B. Johnson. Both the names “Andrew” and “Lyndon” contain six letters.
The secretary of Abraham Licomn had the last name, Kennedy, while JFK’s secretary had Lincoln as the last name
This is one of the most widely believed uncanny connections between the two former Presidents. It is a common belief that Kennedy’s secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, shares a surname with Abraham Lincholn. However, it is a misconception in the other case. In reality, Abraham Lincoln was aided by two notable secretaries, John M. Hay and John G. Nicolay, neither of whom bore the last name, Kennedy. Additionally, the connection between Evelyn and Abraham Lincoln was entirely coincidental. She acquired her last name through her marriage with Harold W. Lincoln, who, like her, had no familial ties to the former President. This connection of names, while captivating, stemmed through mere speculation rather than facts.
Both presidents had security agents who were called William
Abraham Lincoln had a bodyguard named Wiliam H. Crook. Similarly, JFK was protected by a secret service agent named William Greer. Interestingly, “William” is a fairly common name, it’s notable that both Crook and Greer shared not only this name but also a remarkable fate; both men lived up to the age of 75 years and 5 months and passed away within 48 hours of reaching that milestone. Crook was born on October 15, 1839, and Greer was born on September 22, 1909. While Lincoln’s bodyguard William H. Crook died on March 13, 1915, Kennedy’s secret service agent William Greer died on February 23, 1985. The eerie synchronization of their lifespans and the shared names adds a fascinating layer to the intertwined history of the two pivotal figures in American history.
The mother of Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson’s successor, and the mother of Richard M. Nixon, Lyndon Johnson’s successor, shared the same first name, Hannah
Ulysses S. Grant succeeded Andrew Johnson as the president in 1869. Meanwhile, Richard M. Nixon succeeded Lyndon Johnson as the president in 1969. Their mothers shared the same name- Hannah. While one was Hannah Simpson Grant, the other was Hannah Milhous Nixon. Many believe both Presidents took their mother’s maiden names as their middle names. But the middle initial of Richard Nixon represented his mother’s maiden name Milhous. However, the “S” in Ulysses S. Grant did not stand for Simpson, which was the maiden name of Grant’s mother.