Jacob J. Soles (Bearer of Abraham Lincoln) Marker Photo ~ Civil War


Private Jacob J. Soles
Monongahela Cemetery
Braddock PA





The grave of Jacob J. Soles has been visited by school childrenfrom braddock every year since his death. On the Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's death they place flowers around this marker........Why you ask?......

On April 14, 1865, five days after the Civil War had ended, at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., at 10:00 P.M., a shot echoed through the theater. Panic ensued and John Wilkes Booth leapt onto the stage, crying "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus always to tyrants). Six Union soldiers carried the wounded Lincoln across the street to the Peterson house at 452 10th Street. These Soldiers were John Corey, Bill Sample, Jabe Griffiths, John Weaver, an unidentified soldier andJacob J. Soles a Private from Company C of Thompson's Independent Battery. The entourage carrying the mortally wounded President proceeded slowly down the staircase in Ford's Theatre and then exited to 10th Street.

Dr. Charles Leale, age 23, who was attending Lincoln, described the events which followed:
"The crowd in the street completely obstructed the doorway and a Captain, whose services proved invaluable all through the night, came to me, saying: "Surgeon, give me your commands and I will see that they are obeyed." I asked him to clear a passage to the nearest house opposite. He had on side arms and drew his sword. With the sword and word of command he cleared the way for the six soldiers bearing the President. We slowly crossed the street. It was necessary to stop several times to give me the opportunity to remove the clot of blood from the opening to the wound. A barrier of men had been formed to keep back the crowds on each side of an open space leading to the house. Those who went ahead reported that the house directly opposite the theatre was closed. I saw a man standing at the door of Mr. Petersen's house, diagonally opposite, holding a lighted candle in his hand and beckoning us to enter. The six soldiers reverently placed the body of Mr. Lincoln sideways on the bed, since the bed was too short. Early the next morning President Lincoln died."



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Updated March 11, 2008