Son of President Lincoln

Robert Todd Lincoln | Biography

American lawyer and businessman

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 18, 2025

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Who is Robert Todd Lincoln?

Robert Todd Lincoln was the first-born son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, born on August 1, 1843, in Springfield, Illinois. He was the only Lincoln child to reach adulthood, as his younger siblings—Edward, Willie, and Thomas—died young. Robert’s relationship with his father was distant, largely characterized by Abraham Lincoln's political commitments and the tumult of his presidency. Although the young Robert enjoyed academic success, attending institutions like Harvard, he faced criticism for joining the Union Army late in the Civil War, a decision influenced by his mother’s desire to safeguard his education.

Following the assassination of his father in 1865, Robert moved to Chicago, where he pursued a legal career and quickly made his mark as a prominent lawyer. He held various significant positions, including Secretary of War under President James Garfield and Minister to Great Britain under President Benjamin Harrison. Throughout his life, Lincoln grappled with living in his father’s shadow, a constant point of contention, as he sought to carve out his own identity. Despite his successes in law and politics, Robert remained cautious about public life, concerned that his father’s legacy often overshadowed his distinct achievements.

Early Life and Education

Robert Todd Lincoln, born on August 1, 1843, in Springfield, Illinois, was the firstborn son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. As the only one of the Lincoln's four children to reach adulthood, he faced the tragic losses of his siblings, Edward, Willie, and Thomas, to various illnesses. While his younger brothers enjoyed a closer relationship with their father, Robert often felt neglected, stating in his later writings that his father's obligations kept them from forming a significant bond. He spent years away at school, first in New Hampshire and then at Harvard College, where he began to feel the weight of being known primarily as Abraham Lincoln's son.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies in 1864, Robert enrolled at Harvard Law School. However, his education was briefly interrupted as he took on the role of a captain in the Union army during the late stages of the Civil War. This decision drew criticism from both his father’s political supporters and opponents, fueling speculation that his mother was overly protective, preferring to keep him in school to shield him from the war's dangers. Following President Lincoln's assassination in April 1865, Robert moved to Chicago, where he continued his legal studies and ultimately passed the bar, marking the beginning of his career in law.

Career Beginnings and Notable Positions

Robert Todd Lincoln began his career in law shortly after passing the bar, establishing himself as a successful attorney with a strong clientele in the railroad and corporate sectors. He became a charter member of the Chicago Bar Association, which further solidified his reputation in the legal field. Amid his growing practice, he remained close to politics and was approached by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877 for the position of assistant secretary of state, a role he declined. Nonetheless, his involvement in political circles led to further invitations for public service.

In 1881, President James Garfield appointed him to the position of Secretary of War, where he served until 1885. During his tenure, Robert advocated for several reforms, including legislation to protect Indian lands and improvements to soldier pay to reduce desertion rates. His leadership came without the outbreak of any international crises, allowing him to focus on internal military issues and administrative efficiency. Later, in 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him as Minister to Great Britain, marking the pinnacle of his governmental career. Lincoln held this prestigious position without any major scandals until 1893, concluding a noteworthy chapter in his public service.

Significant Achievements and Contributions

Robert Todd Lincoln, the first-born son of President Abraham Lincoln, made significant contributions in both the legal and political arenas. After obtaining his law degree and establishing a successful law practice in Chicago, he became a respected figure in the field. His work as a charter member of the Chicago Bar Association set the stage for a prosperous career. He served as an attorney for the railroad and corporate industries, demonstrating his influence and efficacy within the legal community. His political engagements included acting as a delegate to the Republican Convention and holding the position of Secretary of War under President James Garfield, where he advocated for significant military reforms and improvements.

In addition to his legal and political contributions, Robert Todd Lincoln also served as the U.S. Minister to Great Britain from 1889 to 1893, a prestigious post that reflected his standing in American society. During his tenure, he navigated diplomatic waters without incident, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled statesman. Lincoln's subsequent role as the president of the Pullman Palace Car Company showcased his adeptness in business, allowing him to innovate in the railroad industry. Despite his father's towering legacy, Robert sought to carve his own path, often emphasizing that his achievements were his own, not merely reflections of his father's legacy.

Later Life and Business Ventures

After serving in various high-profile government roles, Robert Todd Lincoln returned to the private sector in 1893, taking on the position of general counsel at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago. This marked a significant transition in his career, allowing him to further distance himself from the looming shadow of his father's legacy. Under his leadership, the company thrived, especially during the railway boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1901, following the death of George Pullman, Lincoln was appointed the company's president, a role he held until 1911. His business acumen and legal expertise contributed to Pullman’s reputation as a leading force in the railroad industry.

Despite his success in business, Lincoln remained cautious about public life, often shunning the spotlight due to the burdens of his familial connections. Nonetheless, he was a prominent figure within the Republican Party and was often considered for political positions, including candidacies for the presidency. Lincoln’s initiatives in public service and the corporate sector showcased his commitment to social issues, such as advocating for soldier pay increases and the separation of military and civilian agencies. His legacy as a businessman and public servant continued to reflect his distinct identity, separate from his father's monumental historical stature.

Personal Life: Married to Mary Harlan with Three Children

Robert Todd Lincoln married Mary Harlan in 1868, establishing a family that would see both joy and heartache. Together, they had three children: Mary, born on October 15, 1869; Abraham "Jack," born on August 14, 1873; and Jessie, born on November 6, 1875. Tragically, their only son, Jack, died at the young age of 16 due to blood poisoning after a surgical infection. This loss deeply affected Lincoln and added to the emotional burdens he carried over the years, especially considering his family's history of untimely deaths and struggles.

The relationship between Robert and his mother, Mary Todd Lincoln, was strained following the sudden loss of Abraham Lincoln. In 1875, after consulting with physicians, Robert made the difficult decision to have his mother committed to a mental institution due to her erratic behavior. This decision created lasting tension, as Mary Todd believed her commitment was unjustified and saw it as a betrayal by her son. Their bond suffered irreparable damage, reflecting the tragic aftermath of grief and the complexities of familial love that colored Robert's later life.

Net Worth and Earning: Successful Lawyer

Robert Todd Lincoln, born to President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln on August 1, 1843, in Springfield, Illinois, became a prominent figure in both law and politics during his lifetime. As the first-born son of one of America's most revered presidents, Robert navigated a complex legacy. He distinguished himself as a successful lawyer, establishing a reputable law firm in Chicago that catered primarily to the railroad and corporate sectors. His legal acumen and connections led him to become a charter member of the Chicago Bar Association, which positioned him as a respected figure in the legal community, thereby contributing to his wealth and overall net worth.

In 1881, President James Garfield appointed Robert as Secretary of War, a role he embraced until 1885, allowing him to influence significant legislative changes. Following his tenure, Robert received a prestigious appointment as Minister to Great Britain from President Benjamin Harrison, further elevating his profile in both government and diplomatic circles. Despite multiple political proposals for higher office, Robert Todd Lincoln consistently chose to pursue his legal career over a political one. He ultimately returned to law, most notably serving as general counsel for the Pullman Palace Car Company and later acting as president, thus solidifying his financial stability and showcasing his ability to thrive independently from his father's legacy.