Mary's Reputation

[Gene C]

I think it may have been a positive for Lincoln. Mary knew and had conversed with some of Lincoln's political heroes. He seemed to value her ideas and viewpoints. That probably gave an additional attraction between them that she would probably not get in a relationship with someone else. For a homely looking guy like him with no money, to atrtract and mary the belle of society who was good looking and came from a prestigious family, was a major coup for him. Being married to her instantly elevated him in that society (for a time) For the most part, I think her political instincts were pretty good. She did seem to be a bit paranoid and protective of him, with the idea that most people were nice to them because they wanted something from him.