First Ladies
Mary Todd Lincoln
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Mary Todd Lincoln was an avid fund raiser for many causes.
1. Where was she born?
Lexington, Kentucky
2. Did she have any formal education?
She attended Shelby Female Academy at the age of eight years. When she was fourteen, Mary entered Madame Victorie Mentelle’s select academy for young ladies. She later returned to Shelby Female Academy for another two years.
3. Did she have any hobbies?
None found.
4. When was her husband president?
1861 - 1865
5. Name a few things she did as first lady.
She visited hospitals, bringing food and flowers, reading to the soldiers, writing them letters, and once raising $1,000 for a Christmas dinner. Her closest friend, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave, made Mary aware of the thousands of Virginia slaves who had moved to Washington but lived in harsh conditions. Mary raised money for them through the Contraband Relief Association.
6. Did she write any books? She wrote diaries which were published much later.
Loving Mr. Lincoln: The Personal Diaries of mary Todd Lincoln by M. Kay duPont
7. Was there a wedding at the White House?
No wedding found.
8. Was she involved in any charity?
No.
9. What is something unique about her life?
She received a beautiful engraved ring from Abraham Lincoln.
10. What is the name of a book written about her.
Baker, Jean H. Mary Todd Lincoln, A Biography. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 1987.
