Lincoln's Pardon of Biden's Ancestor Uncovered in National Archives

Historical documents reveal Abraham Lincoln pardoned Joe Biden's great-great-grandfather following a Civil War altercation, highlighting a unique connection between two U.S. presidents.

Documents from the National Archives reveal that Abraham Lincoln pardoned Joe Biden's great-great-grandfather, Moses J. Robinette, after a Civil War-era brawl in 1864.
Robinette was convicted for his involvement in a fight with a fellow Union Army civilian employee and sentenced to two years' hard labor before Lincoln's pardon.
The discovery of a 22-page trial transcript in the National Archives sheds light on the historical connection between the two presidents.
Lincoln's pardon came after three army officers petitioned for Robinette, arguing the sentence was overly harsh for self-defense.
This story highlights the enduring impact of Civil War stories and the personal connections that span across centuries between U.S. presidents.