The question? Can you prove history with technology?
The answer: The Great American Stories live on.
Been watching the History Channel discover Abraham Lincoln anew. To celebrate his birthday–which we sometimes lose in Presidents’ Day. And with some of the most amazing technology–computer software that can compare, analyze, and purports to decide what is true and what is myth.
Facts: Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in 1809. He died from wounds received at Ford Theater the next day in April 1865.
Tests for truth:
- The Lincoln Cabin–soldiers searched for the cabin during the War to destroy it. It was gone. Enterprising promoters searched for the cabin to display it. They were told the cabin had been moved a mile away from its original location. They found a cabin in the woods and dismantled it for travel. Over the years they added the cabin of Jefferson Davis to their tour. Taking the logs apart and re-assembling them at each fairground or park. Mixing the logs with each other. The cabin now on display in Springfield IL was tested–drilling core borings so the ring patterns of the oak could be studied. Rot, decay, and insects have taken their toll so only selected logs could be tested. And the logs have been trimmed to fit their housing. Conclusion: cabin in Illinois dates from 1848. Cannot be Lincoln’s cabin. Unsure if the logs tested could by from the Jefferson Davis cabin.
- Lincoln’s Photographs–tested newly discovered daguerreotypes against huge database of nineteenth century photos. First, measured dimensions of face and distances between features. Second, compared the faces against the database. One photo matched closely 3 photos–all of them were Abraham Lincoln. The dimensions compared exactly. The other photo did not match pictures of Abraham Lincoln. Conclusion: probably an earlier photo of Lincoln demonstrating that Lincoln had a certain view of himself–consistent over many years.
- Lincoln’s Writings–tested a copy of the Bixby letter of condolences to a mother who had lost 5 sons in the War and the Gettysburg Address with corrections approximating what people said Lincoln stated in his address–items that were not in the published version of the speech. Comparison of frequency of words used, penmanship general and use of language, crossing of t’s and dotting of i’s, etc. Conclusion: Bixby letter may have been written by Lincoln’s secretary and just signed by Lincoln. Gettysburg Address was a forgery–written on authentic paper with similar ink–and traced from an archival copy of the speech made by Lincoln at the request of a friend.
Fascinating presentation. And how much it sounds just like evidence and justification of relationships in a genealogy. Nothing precise about the results–even with technology added. Conclusions reached above are still challenged by trained, technical and historical experts. Can you prove your lineage with technology? Stay tuned in? We’ll discuss this too.
What gives integrity to the whole is including both sides with their various arguments. Assessing the evidence from traditional as well as digital mechanics. Listing the problems associated with both the tangible and intuitive aspects. Stating the facts as well as the suppositions.
Fact or myth? The Great American Story lives on. The story that grows up along side the person or event, is, in itself, worthy of record and preservation–“for the pleasure and the profit it derives.” Your favorite evidence guru, Arlene Eakle http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS My Power Point is gorgeous. I didn’t do it, Barry Ewell did. Now I have to practice so I deliver it gorgeously. If you have not registered for the Family History Expo in St. George at the Dixie Center–you will miss one gorgeous presentation.
PPS Once you register for the Expo, you can log in and access all the handouts for the event beforehand! With live links! And my Keynote Address is 21 pages of gorgeous links! You can even download the syllabus pages–once you register. http://www.myancestorsfound.com
PPSS Tune in next issue–the Custer Archives is for sale.