How can I find out if I descend from Abraham Lincoln's family, if I don't share the same last name?

Question

I have always been told that my mother's family descends from President Abraham Lincoln, and that this president is my uncle in eighth generation.

My mother's family is related to Nellie Campbell who in turn was related to the late president.My mother's maiden name was Virginia Keith. I believe she was baptized as Virginia Hazel Keith, in New Jersey( approx,1919) in honor of my grandmother's name, Hazel Campbell, who after a second marriage went by the name of Hazel Carlston.

Can anyone point out a good starting point to research these facts without spending a fortune?

Answer 1

I'm sorry to say that you can't be a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln, as his last descendant died in 1985.

You could still be related, though, and the best way to determine that is just to work your way back on your family tree and see where it leads you! In genealogy it's always best to start with yourself, rather than starting with someone you think you might be related to and trying to find a connection.

Also, if you're interested in the genealogy of the presidents, you might want to check out the US Presidents project. See this discussion for more info.

~Lianne

Answer 2

a) How was Hazel Campbell related to Nellie Campbell

b) How was Nellie Campbell related to the Lincoln family?

You might try searching familysearch.org and worldconnect.rootsweb.com for CLUES on where to do your research.

Just don't take what you find there to be gospel. Anything you find through online trees must be confirmed.