On This Date in Minnesota History: February 12

February 12, 1908 – Commander Bon Ward of Camp No. 8, Sons of Veterans announced at the special Lincoln Day exercise held in Memorial Hall this evening that Local Grand Army posts and allied orders will ask Thomas Lowry to give the Lincoln funeral car, now located in Columbia Heights, a more central location. Lowry is the owner of the car.

President Lincoln’s Funeral Car (National Park Service Photo)¹

 The car was purchased by Lowry several years ago out of patriotic spirit and brought to Minneapolis as a cherished relic of the great president. Its present location is too far out to make it readily accessible by the great mass of the people, and Lowry will be asked to give his permission to have it placed in one of the city parks, and to that end the park commissioners will be asked to sanction the site to be selected.

Over 400 veterans, sons of veterans, their families and friends attended the exercises. The address of the evening was delivered by Dr. J. S. Montgomery on the story of Lincoln’s greatness, and the speaker emphasized the sincerity and genuineness that characterized the president in all his motives and actions. Several musical numbers and a recitation filled out the program.

Unfortunately, the funeral car never left Columbia Heights and ended up burning in a prairie fire: http://pjefamilyresearch.blogspot.com/2015/03/on-this-date-in-minnesota-history-march_18.html

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Grand Army members Honor Lincoln’s Memory. Allied Orders Hold Meeting in Courthouse—Dr. Montgomery Speaks.”; Feb. 13, 1908; p. 6.

¹http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln51.html

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com