Others live on in a careless and lukewarm state - not appearing to fill Longfellow's measure: 'Into each life, some rain must fall.'

Mary had a difficult relationship with her stepmother. Lincoln returned to Illinois and lived in Chicago with her sons. Their home of about fifteen years still stands in Springfield.

She supported her husband throughout his presidency. A member of a large wealthy Kentucky family Mary was well educated. Before Mary Todd Lincoln married Abraham Lincoln Mary was courted by his long-time political opponent Stephen Douglas.