Lincoln's Mary And The Babies

[Gene C]

Lincoln's Mary And The Babies, written by Bernie Babcock in 1929, with about 310 pages.

This was the last of the books Mrs. Babcock wrote about Abraham Lincoln, there are 4 others. This one was pretty good. As the title suggest, Mary and the children (mainly Tad) are significant in the story which is fiction, but based upon actual events. Like the other books she wrote about Lincoln, this one focuses on his virtues, This one also has a religious, faith based aspect to it, but a little more subdued than the other books.

Mrs. Babcock's was widowed in 1898 at the age of 29, with five small children, with four children under the age of 10. A remarkable woman, who lived to be 94.

The book starts with Tad and Willie meeting a single, middle aged lady, Betty Bradley, who has devoted herself to taking care of her aging father. At first they are attracted by her Raspberry bushes. Tad develops a caring relationship with her and her father. The most memorable part of the story is a three page section of conversation between Tad and his father following the death of Willie. The book ends with Miss Bradley coming to Washington to see Tad and his family, followed shortly with the death of President Lincoln.

I found the book enjoyable, just remember it is fiction and historically it has some obvious mistakes. No illustrations.
Mrs. Babcock is very good at writing tender, sad scenes; with hope and comfort through belief in God, added to the end of the scene.

Unfortunately the book is not yet available on Internet Archive.
You can find it on Amazon - and reprints are available
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-Mary-Bab...99&sr=8-30