On a very cold and sunny February 12, over 50 people showed up to listen to the affable and informative Professor Phillip Stone speak about the history of the Lincolns at the Lincoln Homestead in Linville, VA.
Abraham Lincoln’s great uncle, Jacob, built the homestead in 1800. Behind the house is a gravesite of Abraham Lincoln’s great grandparents and relatives.
For the first time in 51 years, the talk was held on the lane below the cemetery, due to icy conditions walking up the hill to the gravesite. Several brave souls did venture up after the talk.
Several attendees had come every year, some coming from as far away as DC and Prince William County. There were a few who had come for over 20 years to hear Stone speak.
He started out by thanking Dr. Sarah Bixler, who owns the homestead with her husband, Benjamin, and family. She was in attendance, braving the wind and cold with everyone else! Stone gave mention and thanks to the Massanutten chapter of the DAR. Members have maintained the gravesites through the years, trimming grass and cleaning the gravestones. As a member of the Lincoln Society Board, he gave thanks to members involved in everything Lincoln.
The Lincolns came here in 1768 and owned several hundred acres. The last person with the Lincoln name in this area, died in 2020. Stone feels that by holding the annual ceremony he is “extending the story of the Lincolns of VA, because there are none of them left.”
John Lincoln and his wife Rebecca came here with 9 children. That family started the history of the Lincolns in VA, eventually leading to President Abraham Lincoln. There were 3 generations preceding the President who were Rockingham County residents. “Five generations are buried in the cemetery behind me. Abraham Lincoln’s great grandparents, and his parents and grandparents lived here.” the Professor told the audience.
The stories of the Lincolns are so interwoven in the local history of Rockingham County and Virginia. Phil Stone is a very entertaining and knowledgeable speaker of all things Lincoln. The annual ceremony is worth attending. The cemetery is open to the public year-round. Just be respectful of the neighbors, and don’t touch the electric fence along the path!
Follow Lincoln Homestead on Facebook for further information.
4431 Lincoln Homestead Lane, Linville, VA 22834
