Lincoln's Meeting with Mary Todd

Abraham Lincoln's relationship with Mary Todd began with a tumultuous engagement that was briefly broken off in early 1841. However, the couple reconciled and married on November 4, 1842. Following their marriage, they settled in Springfield, where they purchased a house near Lincoln's law office. The couple had four sons, with their eldest, Robert Todd Lincoln, born in 1843. Despite their initial romantic connection, their marriage was marked by significant challenges. Mary Todd was known to exhibit verbally abusive behavior and, at times, physical violence towards Lincoln. This turbulent dynamic had a profound impact on Lincoln's personal life, influencing his emotional state and possibly his political career. The couple's struggles were compounded by the pressures of raising a family during a period of political upheaval, as Lincoln was navigating his early career in law and politics. Their relationship, characterized by both affection and conflict, reflects the complexities of personal and public life during a transformative era in American history.