A Historical Precedent: President Biden’s Great-Great-Grandfather’s Pardon by Abraham Lincoln

The history of the Biden family is rich and intriguing, with a lineage that dates back to the Civil War era. One notable event in the family’s history is the pardon granted to President Biden’s great-great-grandfather, Moses J. Robinette, by President Abraham Lincoln.

Moses J. Robinette, a Union Army civilian employee, found himself in a heated disagreement with another Union Army civilian employee, John J. Alexander, near Beverly Ford, Virginia, on March 12, 1864. The altercation resulted in Alexander receiving knife wounds, and Robinette was subsequently charged with attempted murder.

Three of Robinette’s friends, who were officers in the U.S. Army, petitioned Lincoln directly to overturn the sentence. They argued that Robinette had acted in self-defense and was a true and faithful supporter of the Union. They also emphasized the impact on his family, particularly his motherless daughters and sons.

The petition first arrived at the desk of West Virginia Sen. Waitman T. Willey, who endorsed it and sent the request along to the White House. After a presidential review of the case, Lincoln agreed with the request and pardoned Robinette.

Lincoln’s pardon for Robinette was significant, as it demonstrated his willingness to consider individual cases and grant clemency when warranted. This was not an isolated incident, as Lincoln pardoned numerous soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. However, Robinette’s case stands out due to its connection to the current President.

The Biden family’s history with Lincoln extends beyond this pardon. In a 2020 interview, President Biden shared that he had visited the Lincoln Memorial multiple times and felt a deep connection to the former President. He also mentioned that he had a photograph of Lincoln in his office.

The Biden administration has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding whether President Biden is aware of this incident in his family history. However, the discovery of these documents in the National Archives provides an interesting historical perspective on the Biden family and their connection to one of America’s most iconic figures.

Lincoln’s pardon of Robinette serves as a reminder of the complexities of the Civil War era and the importance of individual stories within the larger historical narrative. It also highlights the enduring impact of Lincoln’s leadership and his commitment to justice and mercy.

In conclusion, the pardon granted to President Biden’s great-great-grandfather, Moses J. Robinette, by President Abraham Lincoln, is an intriguing piece of history that sheds light on the Biden family’s connection to one of America’s most revered Presidents. This historical precedent underscores the importance of individual stories within the larger historical narrative and the enduring impact of Lincoln’s leadership.

As we continue to explore the rich history of the Biden family, it is essential to remember that history is not just a collection of facts and dates, but a narrative that connects us to our past and shapes our understanding of the present. The story of President Biden’s great-great-grandfather’s pardon by Abraham Lincoln is a testament to this idea and a reminder of the complexities and nuances of American history.