Mary Todd Lincoln was the slightly crazy wife of the American President. As First Lady, she was often looked upon by Washington socialites as being an uncouth provincial, and she never really fit in despite her social standing. Mrs Lincoln was an important figure in Abe Lincoln's success. As a country lawyer building his practice, he travelled extensively from one frontier town to the next while Mary looked after the children. After his election, Mary Todd was often his sounding board and conscience when Lincoln was contemplating a difficult decision.

Mrs. lincoln was with her husband at Ford's Theater when he was shot by Booth. After the President's death, Mrs. Lincoln's mental health - which had always been fragile and was often a source of embarassment to the President - declined, to the point that their son Robert Todd Lincoln had her temporarily committed to a mental institution. Mary Todd Lincoln was able to secure her release by calling in favors from her late husband's associates in the legal community, and afterwards spent a great deal of time in Europe. Robert's attempt to have his mother committed caused a life long rift between them.

Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln had four children, but all except Robert Todd Lincoln died young.

See also photogalleries of:

• Robert Todd Lincoln
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln