Category Archives: Nifty History People

The Short Sweet Life of Willie Lincoln

  Despite the fact that Willie Lincoln died before his 12th birthday, he was arguably the happiest of the Lincoln family. Willie Lincoln in Springfield, IL William Wallace Lincoln (1850-1862) was named for his uncle-by-marriage. Dr. William Wallace, married to … Continue reading

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TR and the White House Gang

When Theodore Roosevelt became President in 1901, he brought his wife and six kids – the largest group of youngsters in the White House. The Young Roosevelts At 42, Theodore Roosevelt was our youngest president, and not surprisingly, his family … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Old Clothes

The close but unlikely friendship between Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley would be permanently shattered by what Mrs. Lincoln would consider a gross betrayal. It was not intended as such. Mrs. Lincoln’s Debts When Mary Lincoln was First Lady, merchants … Continue reading

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Abraham Lincoln’s Grandson: “Jack”

Abraham Lincoln never lived to see any of his grandchildren. Robert Todd Lincoln & Family Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son Robert was twenty-one when his father was assassinated. He had completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard, and planned to re-enroll in … Continue reading

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Abe, Steve, Breck and Bell: A Multi-Colored Map

If one “back-lit” the now traditional red-blue election map, one would find FIVE colors in the 1860s elections. The Unionists and Secessionists were about to collide in the irrepressible conflict. The Black States: In this case, the “black” colored states … Continue reading

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Mrs. Keckley, “Contraband” and The Lincolns

The Civil War brought out great bitterness. It also brought out great generosity. “Contraband” Fortress Monroe, near Norfolk, VA, was a crucial center for the Union, since it commanded the Chesapeake Bay, its trade, commerce and defensive position. General Benjamin … Continue reading

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Nabby Adams: The Mastectomy

John and Abigail Adams’ daughter underwent a mastectomy when she was forty-four. The Oldest Adams Offspring The eldest of the four surviving children of John and Abigail Adams was a daughter, named Abigail (1765-1813) and forever nicknamed “Nabby.”   Somewhat withdrawn … Continue reading

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Warren Harding and the Ohio Gang

The term “The Ohio Gang” is misleading. First of all, not all of them were from Ohio. Warren Harding: A Lackluster Politician Warren Gamaliel Harding (1865-1923) was a lackluster fellow.  His abilities were moderate, not stellar. His ambition for high … Continue reading

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William R. King: The VEEP Who Never Was

The office of Vice President was merely an afterthought to our Constitution’s founders. It was so insignificant that for nearly 39 years(!), the office remained empty. The Early VEEPS For the first twelve years of the USA being the USA, … Continue reading

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Emilie Todd: Mary Lincoln’s Little Sister

Mary Todd Lincoln came from a huge family. There were fourteen children. Children and Steps: Mary Todd was the fourth of six children born to Robert Smith Todd and his first wife, Elizabeth Parker.   She died when Mary was only … Continue reading

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