A chronological list of historical persons and events, arranged to show parallel or synchronous occurrence.

Some years ago I happened to be looking in a shop window where I read the most incredible notice. I cannot attribute it to any writer as no claim to its authorship was included, however, I have never forgotten the power of its content, which was as follows.

Lincoln's Secretary, named Kennedy, advised him not to go to the theatre.
Kennedy's Secretary, named Lincoln, advised him not to go to Dallas.
Booth shot Lincoln in a theatre and hid in a warehouse.
Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and hid in a theatre.
Andrew Johnson and Lyndon Johnson each contain 13 letters.
John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald each contain 15 letters.
Lincoln and Kennedy were carried in death on the same caisson.

LINCOLN AND KENNEDY

There are 7 letters in each name. Both Presidents had legality of election contested. Both were directly concerned with issues of civil rights. Both were slain on Friday and in the presence of their wives. Lincoln was elected in 1860, Kennedy 1960. Their successors were named Johnson and were Southern Democrats, who previously had served in the U.S. Senate. Andrew Johnson born 1801 and Lyndon born 1908. Booth and Oswald were murdered before trial could be arranged.

I never cease to be amazed when I read the above account from time to time, and one wonders how many more such 'strange but true' cataloguing incidents there might be out there in the world. As the saying goes, 'there are more things in Heaven and earth than man hath ever dreamed of'.

(Written by Hazel A. Speed)