Lincoln Discussion Symposium

Nope, it's not Hannah Armstrong.

For some reason Clara Barton comes to mind. The images that pop into my mind are photographs of a younger Clara. I don't know if Gene's post is subconsciously reminding me of something or just messing with my head.

Right on, Steve. It is indeed an image of Clara Barton.

(06-13-2026 07:12 PM)Steve Wrote: [ -> ]For some reason Clara Barton comes to mind. The images that pop into my mind are photographs of a younger Clara. I don't know if Gene's post is subconsciously reminding me of something or just messing with my head.

Yes.
I recognized Clara Barton because years ago my wife volunteered with Red Cross for a few years in disaster relief for hurricane and flood relief.

Who is this lady?

It's Fanny McCullough. Lincoln wrote her a letter of sympathy after her father was killed in battle. The letter is often compared to the more famous Bixby letter. Fanny's photograph is sometimes in accounts of the Bixby letter, (that also mention Fanny's letter) because there are no known surviving photographs of Mrs. Bixby.

Excellent, Steve. It is Fanny McCullough.

Roger, please excuse the intrusion.

My post on 01-13-2021

President Abraham Lincoln’s Condolence Letter to Fanny McCullough:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, December 23, 1862.

Dear Fanny

It is with deep grief that I learn of the death of your kind and brave Father; and, especially, that it is affecting your young heart beyond what is common in such cases. In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it.

Who is this person?

I've seen her before, but I can't recall her name.
This seems to be happening to me more frquently

Hint #1: Both this lady and her husband were well-known.

Sarah Mudd?

Nope, it's not Sarah Mudd.

Clue #2: Margaret Coleman worked for this lady and her husband just before she went to work for the Sewards in Washington in 1861.

Clue #2.5: The lady was the grandniece of a president.

Adele Cutts Douglas, the wife of Stephen Douglas

Brilliant, Gene. Indeed it is Adele Cutts Douglas.

(Many thanks to Linda Anderson for her assistance with this trivia question.)