John Wilkes Booth

On Long Branch and a presidential assassin …

John Wilkes Booth’s place in American infamy is secure forever. History records that JWB certainly visited Long Branch and stayed in one or more of the fancy and popular hotels that ruled the oceanfront back then.

There are even theories about Booth planning his ill designs on the 16^th President during summer trips to Long Branch in the early 1860s. While more speculation than fact, Booth definitely was “not wasting any time frolicking in the surf or working on his tan.”

However, two of his brothers did live in Long Branch — one was also a stage actor the other was a physician. There were 10 Booth siblings, all from Maryland (and most probably Confederates).

• Edwin Thomas Booth, who owned a large cottage on Park Avenue in Elberon, was the older brother of the infamous presidential assassin. A star stage performer like his brother (and his English-born father, Junius Brutus Booth), Edwin was the “last of the old-school emotional actors.”

Edwin T. Booth

Considered “America’s Most Gifted Shakespearean Actor,” a movie was made about him, Prince of Players, in 1955 with Richard Burton playing Edwin. Married in Long Branch in 1869, Edwin died in 1893.

• Joseph A. Booth was the youngest Booth sibling and brother of the 1865 presidential assassin. Denied the family acting gene, Joe flopped on stage. At age 49, he got an NYU medical degree and was a practicing EN&T specialist in NYC and Long Branch for 12 years. The brothers (Joe & John) were said to be “unlike in temperament, disposition, talent, and manner.” 

Dr. Booth resided in Long Branch for many years in a cottage adjoining the Atlantic Hotel on the oceanfront, according to his February 1902 Asbury Park Press obit. In his attic he kept an odd vigil — “preserving the clothing worn by his brother, John Wilkes, at the time of his capture (and death) in a Virginia barn after murdering President Lincoln.” The doctor would “very rarely” exhibit these relics and other heirlooms of a similar nature. It was Joseph, working with his brother Edwin, who finally obtained their brother’s remains in 1869 by order of President Andrew Johnson.

Joseph A. Booth, M.D.

For Edwin’s part, an October 1908 Asbury Park Press story tells how he “burned all his brother’s papers and customs in the dead of night” in early 1873.

*   *   *   *   *

Lincolns in Long Branch …

When First Lady Mary Lincoln vacationed at the Mansion House hotel in Long Branch in August 1861, she “gave a stamp and tone to the place which it will never lose,” according to the New York Herald Tribune. Visiting along with her two sons (Tad and Willie), Mary so enjoyed her seashore stay it was recommended to the Grants. History records that Mrs. Lincoln was not the first President’s wife to visit Long Branch, however; that was done by Jane Pierce in 1856.

John Wilkes Booth (r) is shot in a Virginia barn, April 1865 (Smithsonian Institute Photo).

Dr. Booth obit, Shore Press, March 1902.

Edwin Booth house in Elberon, 1890s.