On a day in either 1863 or 1864, a college student was standing in a crowd on a train platform in Jersey City, New Jersey trying to get a ticket. He described what happened:
Edwin Booth (left) and Robert Lincoln
“…The platform was about the height of the car floor, and there was of course a narrow space between the platform and the car body. There was some crowding, and I happened to be pressed by it against the car body while waiting my turn. In this situation the train began to move, and by the motion I was twisted off my feet, and had dropped somewhat, with feet downward, into the open space, and was personally helpless, when my coat collar was vigorously seized and I was quickly pulled up and out to a secure footing on the platform. Upon turning to thank my rescuer I saw it was Edwin Booth, whose face was of course well known to me, and I expressed my gratitude to him, and in doing so, called him by name.“
Booth had saved the life of Robert Lincoln, Abe’s oldest and only living child. Robert recognized Booth because he was the most famous actor in America. He was acclaimed for his performances in Shakespearean plays. He was especially well-known for playing Hamlet. It is believed that during his long career, he played the melancholy Dane more than any actor in history. He once performed “Hamlet” for 100 days in a row. His brother John was also an actor, although not as acclaimed. John was more known for his handsomeness. The two were estranged because their political beliefs clashed. Edwin was a strong Unionist and supporter of Lincoln. Edwin Booth was at the station with his friend John T. Ford who owned a theater in Washington. Robert never told his parents about the incident. His father had enough to worry about and his mother was mentally unstable, especially since the death of Robert’s little brother Willie.
Robert went on to become a member of Gen. Grant’s staff and was an eyewitness to Lee’s surrender to Grent at Appomattox Court House. He was visiting his parents the night they went to Ford’s Theater. He decided not to accompany them, a decision he regretted for the rest of his life as he was sure he could have prevented Edwin’s brother from killing his father. Edwin was impacted by his younger brother’s act of infamy. He was crushed by the loss of the President, especially since his brother was the assassin. He retired from acting and isolated himself from society. However, he returned partly after consoling himself with the fact that he had saved Robert Lincoln’s life. He wrote a public letter of apology for his brother’s dastardly deed. His return to playing Hamlet was a triumph as the public did not blame him for what his brother had done. (One has to wonder if the same forgiveness would be given today.) Robert Lincoln went on to a political career. He was Secretary of War under Presidents James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur, and then Minister to Great Britain under President Benjamin Harrison. He was with Garfield when he was shot by an assassin at a train station. And he was near Pres. McKinley when he was assassinated.
https://www.historynet.com/edwin-booth-saved-robert-todd-lincolns-life-2/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-wilkes-booth-brother-abraham-lincoln-son/
https://historycolored.com/articles/11501/when-john-wilkes-booths-brother-saved-the-life-of-abraham-lincolns-son/
Edwin Booth (left) and Robert Lincoln
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