I would rather marry a good man, a man of mind, with a hope and bright prospects ahead for position, fame and power than to marry all the houses, gold and bones in the world.

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.