Descendants Keep It Civil

Scott Hunt and Scott Swenson may never meet on a football field, but their ancestors encountered each other on one of the most tragic nights in American history.

Swenson, a quarterback for L.A. Baptist High, says he is a descendant of Abraham Lincoln.

Hunt, a linebacker for Hart, is believed to be related to famed 19th century actor Edwin Booth, the brother of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

Swenson and Hunt have more in common than the events of April 14, 1865, and the fact both play high school football.

“When we studied [the assassination] in class, I told everyone who I’m related to,” said Hunt, an All-Southern Section selection last season as a junior. “No one believed me.”

Hunt, sidelined last week with a hamstring injury, is expected to play Saturday for Hart (3-1) in a nonleague game against Loyola.

Swenson has faced the same disbelief from friends at L.A. Baptist.

“Everyone says I’m lying, so I just let it go,” said the junior quarterback, who has passed for 525 yards and eight touchdowns for the Knights (3-1).

Both families believe they have proof of their lineage.

Swenson’s mother, Kathleen Swenson-Dahn, possesses a family tree dating back to the president’s great grandfather, Samuel Lincoln.

Marilyn Brokaw, Hunt’s grandmother, can trace the family tree only as far as her grandfather, Hiram Booth, a Salt Lake City attorney in the early 1900s.

But as a child, Hunt’s maternal grandmother, born Marilyn Booth Mitchell, was told by relatives that her family had indeed descended from the assassin.

“Things were much more patriotic back then,” Brokaw said. “Kids would call me the murderer’s granddaughter.”

Brokaw’s association with Booth was so traumatic that she would hide from others in tears on Lincoln’s birthday. When she turned 18, she legally dropped Booth from her name.

Last Sunday, 133 years after their ancestors’ fateful encounter at Ford’s Theater, Swenson and Hunt met for a photo session.

“Since they know where we are, I hope they don’t feel the need to retaliate after all these years,” said Brokaw.

No need to worry, the Lincoln side says.

“I’m a pretty forgiving person,” Swenson said.