Mary's Reputation

[Donna McCreary]

Laurie, I am still working my way through Jason's book as well. He does conclude that Robert was the perfect Victorian man in all other lectures and writings. There is much truth in your statement about Robert and Mary H. Lincoln -- they were trying to conduct themselves according to their 'station' in life.
I do know that Mary H. and the children spent a great amount of time in Iowa. Some think this indicates trouble in the Lincoln marriage; others believe it shows that Mary H. found herself in a sandwich generation - tending to the needs of children and parents. I do not know enough about the Harlans to know their medical needs during the 1870's. What ever family needs Mary H. Lincoln faced, it was her duty to tend to these issues as they fell into the 'woman's sphere.'