MARY TODD LINCOLN
1818 - 1882

Wife of famous 16th president Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln was first lady from 1861 until 1865.

Mary's family

Mary's father was Robert Smith Todd. Mary's mother was Eliza Parker Todd. Mary's parents were pretty well off financially. Eliza died in 1825 and Mary's father married again. Mary had a sister - Elizabeth.

Abraham Lincoln was a diligent lawyer when he noticed Mary Todd. He then got cold feet and told Mary to forget about it. Abe changed his mind once more and he married the girl in 1842.

Mary used to be a healthy and energetic woman, but several events in her life and finally Abe's assassination managed to push her over the edge.

What had happened?

Abraham and Mary Lincoln had a son, Edward. But Edward died when he was just three years old. Second son Willie died in 1862 of typhoid fever. Third son Thomas (Tad) died in 1871. Of course, Mary was devastated.

Additionally, Mary found herself sitting between chairs during the Civil War. She was born in Kentucky and her relatives were fighting for the South.

PICTURE OF MARY ONCE MORE
National Archives.Gov
[+] Click image to enlarge

Mary liked to dress well and have some decent furniture around. That didn't sit well with some folks and Mary had to listen to their badmouthing.

In 1865, Abe was shot right in front of Mary and that was just about all the girl could handle. She packed her bags and traveled to Germany and England.

Mary developed paranoia and thought she was supremely poor, which wasn't the case at all.

In 1875, son Robert arranged for Mary to spend some time in a mental institution. She was eager to leave and traveled once more to Europe for a few years.

Apparently, some of her letters have been found recently.

MARY ONCE AGAIN
WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
[+] Click to enlarge.

For more info and pics check the Lincoln Museum.