Mary Todd Lincoln Biography

Mary Todd Lincoln Biography

Learn about the biography and life of Mary Todd Lincoln including where she grew up, meeting Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, life in the White House, and interesting facts.

Biography of Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Todd was born Mary Ann Todd on December 13, 1818, in Lexington, Kentucky, United States to Robert Smith Todd and Elizabeth Todd. Her father was a well-to-do banker and politician who was able to raise his children in luxury. She was the fourth of her parents’ seven children. She was of Irish, Scottish, and English descent.

Where did Mary Todd Lincoln grow up?

Mary Todd Lincoln was born in Lexington, Kentucky on December 13, 1818. She was raised in a sizable home with numerous brothers and sisters. Mary learnt how to dance and speak French while attending Madame Mentelle’s school for girls. Mary developed a political interest as she grew older. The family frequently discussed politics and the government because her father was a state senator.

Meeting Abraham Lincoln

Mary visited her sister in Springfield, Illinois, in 1839. She encountered Abraham Lincoln, a tall young guy, there. She was a big fan of Abraham. He was intelligent and enjoyed discussing politics. Because Abraham was so poor, some of Mary’s relatives opposed their marriage, but Mary chose to ignore them. She only cared that Abraham was a good man because she loved him. She wed Abraham on November 4, 1842, and she later became Mrs. Lincoln.

Moving to Washington

Abraham would one day be a great man, Mary firmly believed. His political career quickly began to gain momentum thanks to her encouragement. Abraham gained notoriety for his opposition to slavery. He took part in numerous speeches and debates against slavery.

Abraham won a seat in the House of Representatives and was chosen to serve in Congress in 1847. For a while, Mary relocated to Washington, D.C., to be with Abraham and support him professionally.

Becoming the First Lady

Mary and the family went back to Springfield after Abraham’s tenure as a congressman came to an end. As Abe worked as a lawyer there, Mary took care of the home. 1860 saw Mary’s life become extremely busy due to her husband’s presidential campaign. She assisted him with his campaign and frequently expressed her views to reporters with conviction.

Abraham won the presidential election on November 6, 1860. The First Lady of the United States was now Mary. The White House was occupied by the family. She was shocked to see how filthy and outdated the White House was. Mary made the decision to take on the task of renovating the White House.

The Civil War

It wasn’t all fun and games for Mary during her stay at the White House. Many Southern states broke away from the United States and formed the Confederacy due to her husband’s adamant stance against slavery. The Civil War soon pitted the North against the South.

For several years, there was a civil war. Mary made the choice to remain at her husband’s side rather than leave for a safer location. She visited the troops with her husband, offered him counsel, and even volunteered as a nurse.

A Divided Family

Kentucky, where Mary was born, was a border state. Many Kentucky residents supported the South, despite the fact that the state remained devoted to the Union. Actually enlisting in and serving in the Confederate Army were three of Mary’s brothers. Two of them lost their lives in combat. Despite her support for the North, Mary was terribly upset by her brothers’ passing.

Abraham is Killed

The Civil War was finally over in the spring of 1865. In an era of peace, Mary was looking forward to serving as the First Lady. Mary and Abe attended a performance and a celebration at the theater on April 14, 1865. Sadly, her spouse was killed the following day after being shot by an assassin.

Later Life and Death

Mary was never the same after the murder of her husband. She was devastated because she had already experienced the death of a child. She was even briefly admitted to a mental hospital before being released.

On July 16, 1882, Mary passed away at the house of her sister in Springfield, Illinois. She was interred with Abe in the Lincoln Tomb.

Facts about Mary Todd Lincoln

• He referred to her as “Molly,” and Mary addressed her husband as “Mr. Lincoln.”
• She frequently experienced headaches and mood changes.
• She ran into difficulty because she overspent on the White House renovations.
• Four sons, Robert, Edward, William, and Thomas, were born to Mary and Abe (“Tad”).
• Abe was about a foot taller than Mary. He stood 6’4″ and she was 5’2″.

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