Special Sub-Topic: Lincoln's Sons Click Here To Play: Lincoln's Sons

The first born son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln was Robert Todd Lincoln, who was born on August 1, 1843. Who was Robert named after?

His maternal grandfather. His namesake, Robert Todd, was a prominent businessman from Lexington, Ky. Mary's father did not approve of her marriage to "an uneducated backwoodsman."

The Lincoln's second son only lived from 1846-1850 and died from diphtheria in Springfield, Illinois before his father became president. What was his name?

Edward. Edward Baker Lincoln was his full name and he was named after a political friend of his father's.

William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln (the third son) passed away on Febuary 20, 1862 at the White House at only twelve-years-old. What was the cause of death?

typhoid fever. The funeral services were conducted in the East Room of the White House, but the coffin itself remained in the Green Room. Mary was so overcome with grief, she could not attend the ceremony.

The Lincoln's fourth son was called "Tad" Lincoln. What was his given name at birth?

Thomas. He was named "Thomas" after Abraham's father. When he was born, his head was large and out of proportion with his body, and his father remarked he looked like a "tadpole." His family thereafter referred to him as "Tad."

Tad Lincoln passed away on July 15, 1871 at 18 years of age. What befell him?

tuberculosis. In 1868, Mary and Tad went abroad to Germany. Three years later, they came back to America on a cold ocean crossing. This took its toil on Tad, as he developed tuberculosis and passed away about two months later.

Robert Todd Lincoln was the only son to live a long life. What college did he graduate from in 1864?

Harvard. After attending the University of Chicago, Robert Lincoln was admitted to the bar in Febuary 1867.

Robert Todd Lincoln was present when both President Garfield and McKinley were assassinated?

t. Garfield was shot on Sept. 19, 1881 and died 80 days later. McKinley was shot on Sept. 6, 1901 and died 8 days later. Robert Lincoln was present both times.

Robert Lincoln served as Secretary of War under President James Garfield?

t. He served in this capacity from 1881-1885.

Robert Lincoln's last public appearance was at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial on May 30, 1922.

t. Among the famous present was President Warren Harding and Chief Justice Taft.

Robert Todd Lincoln passed away on July 25, 1926 from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois with the rest of the Lincolns.

f. Robert was temporarily interred in a grave in Manchester, Vermont. However, two years later, on March 14, 1928, he was interred at Arlington National Cemetery according to his wife's wishes. Abraham, Mary and the other sons are now resting at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.