- Joined
- Oct 10, 2012
- Location
- Mt. Jackson, Va
On this date in 1926, Robert Todd Lincoln dies six days before his 83rd birthday. He was the oldest of four boys born to #MaryToddLincoln and #AbrahamLincoln, and the only son to outlive both parents. Robert Todd had an extraordinary life that included positions in both the private and public sectors. He served under three U.S. presidents: as Secretary of War to James Garfield and Chester Arthur, and as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom under Benjamin Harrison. Lincoln was also a successful attorney, working as legal counsel to the Pullman Palace Car Company, later becoming its president and the chairman of its board.
On the last day of his father’s life, Robert enjoyed a breakfast with his family where he provided a first-hand account of the surrender at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Robert served on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant during the final months of the war and was present at the McLean House on April 9, 1865.
Robert declined an invitation to accompany his parents to #FordsTheatreNPS on the night of April 14, 1865, opting instead to stay at the White House. It was there that he received the news that his father had been shot by an assassin. Robert was an active presence throughout those terrible overnight hours at the Petersen House, tending the bedside of his dying father, while also attempting to provide some support to his inconsolable mother.
Robert married Mary Harlan in 1868 and they had three children. The successes of his productive life enabled many comforts, including a beautiful family estate in southern Vermont called “Hildene” (meaning “hill” and “valley”), which Robert built, and is where he died.
https://www.facebook.com/fordstheatrenps
On the last day of his father’s life, Robert enjoyed a breakfast with his family where he provided a first-hand account of the surrender at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Robert served on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant during the final months of the war and was present at the McLean House on April 9, 1865.
Robert declined an invitation to accompany his parents to #FordsTheatreNPS on the night of April 14, 1865, opting instead to stay at the White House. It was there that he received the news that his father had been shot by an assassin. Robert was an active presence throughout those terrible overnight hours at the Petersen House, tending the bedside of his dying father, while also attempting to provide some support to his inconsolable mother.
Robert married Mary Harlan in 1868 and they had three children. The successes of his productive life enabled many comforts, including a beautiful family estate in southern Vermont called “Hildene” (meaning “hill” and “valley”), which Robert built, and is where he died.
https://www.facebook.com/fordstheatrenps