The Tragic Death of Abraham Lincoln’s Son, William Wallace Lincoln

• William Wallace Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln, died of typhoid fever in 1862 while living in the White House
• His death devastated both parents, with Mary Lincoln’s grief bordering on insanity and Abraham Lincoln often taking time off to mourn
• Willie’s passing had a profound impact on Lincoln, deepening his religious faith and adding to the burdens he carried as President during the Civil War
• The boy was initially buried in Georgetown, but later reinterred alongside his father and other family members in Springfield, Illinois

In the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln faced a devastating personal tragedy – the death of his beloved son, William “Willie” Wallace Lincoln. The 11-year-old boy’s passing in February 1862 left the President and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln grief-stricken, and had a profound impact on the course of Lincoln’s presidency.

Early Life and Personality

William Wallace Lincoln was born on December 21, 1850 in Springfield, Illinois to Abraham and Mary Lincoln. He was the couple’s third son, following the deaths of their first son Edward in 1850 and their second son, also named Edward, in 1850. Willie was known for his sweet disposition, intelligence, and close relationship with his father. He shared many of Abraham Lincoln’s traits, including a love of reading, writing, and philosophical thought.

Illness and Death

In early 1862, Willie and his younger brother Tad fell ill with what was likely typhoid fever, likely contracted from the contaminated water supply at the White House. While Tad eventually recovered, Willie’s condition worsened over several days. Despite the best efforts of the family’s doctors, the 11-year-old boy died on February 20, 1862.

The loss devastated both Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Elizabeth Keckly, Mary’s seamstress and confidante, recalled the President’s anguish as he viewed his son’s body, saying “My poor boy, he was too good for this earth. God has called him home. I know that he is much better off in heaven, but then we loved him so. It is hard, hard to have him die!” Mary Lincoln was inconsolable in her grief, remaining in bed for weeks after Willie’s death.

Funeral and Burial

Willie’s body lay in state in the Green Room of the White House, draped in flowers. On February 24, 1862, a private farewell was held for the Lincoln family, during which a severe storm raged outside, seeming to mirror the family’s inner turmoil. The funeral took place that afternoon in the East Room, with Dr. Phineas D. Gurley of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church officiating. The service was attended by the Lincoln family, members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, and military leaders, many of whom struggled to contain their tears.

Willie was initially interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown. After Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, his body and Willie’s were exhumed and reburied at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, where they rest alongside other Lincoln family members.

Impact on Lincoln

The loss of Willie had a profound impact on Abraham Lincoln, who was already burdened by the weight of the Civil War. The President often took Thursdays off to mourn his son, and his religious faith deepened as he grappled with the tragedy. Mary Lincoln’s grief bordered on insanity at times, adding to the President’s burdens.

Despite his own sorrow, Lincoln continued to lead the nation through its greatest crisis. Willie’s death, however, was a private agony that the President carried with him throughout the war and into his own untimely death.

FAQs

Q. What was the cause of Willie Lincoln’s death?

A. Willie died of typhoid fever, likely contracted from the contaminated water supply at the White House.

Q. How old was Willie Lincoln when he died?

A. Willie Lincoln was 11 years old at the time of his death in February 1862.

Q. Where is Willie Lincoln buried?

A. Willie Lincoln was initially interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown. After Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, his body and Willie’s were exhumed and reburied at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, where they rest alongside other Lincoln family members.

Q. How did Willie Lincoln’s death impact his father, President Abraham Lincoln?

A. The loss of Willie had a profound impact on Abraham Lincoln, who was already burdened by the weight of the Civil War. The President often took Thursdays off to mourn his son, and his religious faith deepened as he grappled with the tragedy. Despite his own sorrow, Lincoln continued to lead the nation through its greatest crisis, carrying Willie’s death as a private agony throughout the war and into his own untimely death.

Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by 247 News Around The World