Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-07-27
Robert Todd Lincoln.


Lincoln. the last of the family of the
great emancipation is gone. The line
ends. Abraham Lincoln had four
children, all sons, of whom Robert
was the eldest. One child, Edward,
died In infancy. Another, William
Wallace, whose nickname by which
he was affectionately known through
out the country was Tad" died at
the age of twelve. during his fathers
presidency Thomas died at the age
OF eighteen, several years after Mr..
Lincoln's death Thus Robert was
the only one to reach manhood. He
made a successful career. Serving
as an officer in the Union Army with
the rank of captain, he participated
in the final campaign which ended
at Appomattox. After the close OF
the war he resumed his study of law
at Harvard which had been inter-
rupted by his service. He entered the
practice of his profession in Chicago
and made for himself a high repute.
In 1881 President Garfield invited
him to Join his cabinet as Secretary
of War, and upon the accession Of
Vice President Arthur Mr.. Lincoln
was the only member OF the former
cabinet who was requested to retain
his portfolio. In this capacity he
proved to be an administrator Of ex-
ceptional ability. Upon the compile
ton Of his four years Of service in
the War Department he returned to
Chicago and resumed practice. But
a few years later he was again sum-
nnoned to public duty and was ap-
p0inted Minister to Great Britain by
President Harrison. in which Office
he distinguished himself by his quiet,
effective work. After his withdrawal
from public life, at the expiration Of
his service abroad, Mr.. Lincoln be-
came associated with the Pullman
Company and as its president was
exceptionally successful. He virtual
ly retired from all business and pro-
fessionAl activities twenty years ago,
and since then has led quiet life,
finding relaxation in scientific and
mathematical pursuits. OF his union
with Miss Mary Harlan there were
three children. two daughters and a
SON, the son dying in youth while at
tending school In Europe. Thus
there are no male survivors Of the
name of Lincoln.
Robert T. Lincoln's career was O
rare exception to the rule Of the lives
Of the sons Of distinguished men. He
revered his fathers memory and was
intensely proud Of the great service
that he had rendered this country
and the honors paid to him in life
and in death. But he never discussed
his father. nor did he write about
him. He contributed nothing to bio
graphical or historical research. Yet
he was quick to resent and rebuRe
any disparagements or criticisms. He
revered his father too deeply to seek
any advantage through his relation
ship. In his own capacity and with
his own talents he contributed to his
country's development and advance
ment, but he steadfastly refused to
enter into any political activity out
side of the two offices to which he
Was iAvited by Presidents Of the
United States, and which he was
highly competent to fill.
Thus passes the Lincoln name,
though 1t remains permanently in
soribed in history. 1t was main
tanned with honor by Robert T. Lin
coin during his long life. He, the
son of the poor and struggling law
yer Of Illinois. participated in a re-
markable span of history as observer
and as one humbly taking part, and
he passes high in the esteem of the
people of this country, not simply as
the son of Abraham Lincoln, but as
a man OF high merit as an American
citizen.