Mary Todd Lincoln
1861-1865

Mary Todd was born on December 13, 1818 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Mary's mother died when Mary was six.

In 1839, she went to live with her sister Elizabeth Edwards in Springfield, Illinois.

Mary met Abraham Lincoln at a dance. Mary.

She attended some of the best schools at that time and learned about French, music, and art.

She married Abraham Lincoln on November 4, 1842. Her family didn't think Lincoln was a worthy husband.

The Lincoln's had four sons:

• Robert
• Edward (Eddy who died when he was four years old.
• William (Willie)
• Thomas (Tad)

Mary encouraged Lincoln to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost that election. He also lost an election for the U.S. Senate, but became President in 1860.

Library of Congress

Mary Lincoln was accused of supporting the South. Some people went as far to be a spy.

She was also critizied for giving parties in war time and Abe was upset with her when she went over the budget for refurbushing the White House.

In 1862, her son Willie died of typhoid. He was 11 years old.

Mary was afraid her older son, Robert, might die also and refused to let him serve in the Union Army.

Lincoln was assasinated on April 14th, 1865. Mary was too upset to attend his funeral.

She was in debt when Lincoln died and was worried about having to live in poverty. Congress did not approve a pension for her until 1870.

Her son Tad died of tuberculosis in 1871.

Mary's mental state after the thrid death in her family caused her mental problems. Her son Robert had her declared insane in 1875.

She did get herself released.

She died on July 15, 1882 in Springfield, Illinois. Mary was 63. She is buried next to her husband.

Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois

Visit our site on U.S. Presidents

Books and Websites

Books

Smithsonian Presidents and First Ladiesby James Barber and Amy Pastan.
First Ladies: Women Who Called The White House Home (First Ladies) by Beatrice Gormeley.

Websites

http://www.firstladies.org/ National First Ladies Library
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/058_flal.htmlLibrary of Congress, Images of the First Ladies

Comments and/or corrections should be sent to Jim at jim@anewadventure.org.