The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-01-18
ROBERT TODD LINCOLN.
Secretary of War.

Secretary Lincoln is as yet best known as
the son of his father A legacy Of greatness
has descended 10 him by that inevitable law
of inheritance which gives TO the worthy
son goodly portion Of the esteem in which
his ancestors have been held. Mr.. Robert
I. Lincoln, however, Is himself very able
and promising young man, so far as his linn
tied opportunities in public life enables the
biogrspher to form al opinion.
Robert Todd Lincoln is the oldest and the
only surviving son Of the "Martyred Presi.
dent" Abraham Lincoln. He was born at
Springfield, Illinois, on the LIST Of August,
ls43. He was prepared for college under
the tutorship of Mr.. Estabrook, Of his ma
tive city, after which he entered the Illinois
State University. He came east in 1850 and
one year later entered the Phillips Academy
at Exeter, where Daniel Webster received
his early education. After brief attend
ance at this school he was admitted 10 Har-
ward University as a member of the class Of
"a, having passed highly creditable exam
ination. Graduating in due time he entered
the law school of the University, from which
he retired after brief stay to accept commits.
sion as Captain in the United States Army
and Assistant Adjutant General on the staff
of General Grant. He soon resigned his po-
sition and resumed the study of law at Chi
cago, where he was admitted to the bar of
Illinois In 1867. In partnership with Mr..
Scammon he began the practice of his pro.
fession, but soon withdrew from this con-
nection and made tour in Europe. Re-
turning IN 1872 he formed partnership with
Edward S. Isbam, for the practice of law un-
der the firm name Of Isham & Lincoln.
With this gentleman he has since been asso.
ciated in his professional labors. In 1876 be
was elected Supervisor of the town of South
Chicago, and was sent from Cook County TO
the Illinois State Convention at Springfield,
which nominated delegates to the Republi-
can National Convention held at Chicago In
1876. He was ali elector Oh the Republican
ticket for the State Of Illinois, and was ap-
pointed trustee of the Illinois Central Rail-
road by the Governor.
Mr.. Lincoln was appointed by President
Garfield to the high position he now fills so
acceptably. 1t was a most satisfactory
choice and very fitting tribute, not only to
bis own ability, but 10 the illustrious name
he bears. While he has found 1t impossible
TO escape criticism, yet be has exhibited
sound judgment and marked ability in the
discharge of his duties st Washington.
Mr.. Lincoln, like many other eminent
men, has pardonable horror of the news
paper interviewer, but there is one species
of interviewer which all his ingenuity has
been unable TO evade. We refer to the
colored people, especially the veterans of
to him the unspeakable gratitude they feel
for his father. He Is often made the invol-
untary recipient Of congratulations from
some representative Of the colored race, on
his being "de son an boan image OBJ de ole
man."
"Look da, genlmen, at dat mouf and ears"
said an old fellow who had stolen into Mr..
Lincoln's private Office. "Dat smile, genl-
men, dat smile," he continued. seizing him
by the hand. al ofn seed your fsder, sah."
BY considerable persuasion and the tender
of douceur, the old man was at length in
duced 10 retire.
Mr.. Lincoln has been very successful In
his profession. He has frank and
hearty manner and very pleasing address.
His eyes are The only feature In which he
resembles his father. His hair is dark, his |
height about five feet nine inches, and bis
weight something like 145 pounds. he Is
particularly careful In the matter of dress,
and in every respect be is most courteous
and urbane gentleman. His career thus far |
Is such as TO justify the hope that The glory |
of the name he bears will, at least, suffer no |
detraction at his hands.
In 1858 he married Miss Mary Harlan, and |
be now has q son and three daughters, the |
eldest of whom Is fifteen years Of age.