Mary Todd Lincoln by Jean Baker

[Donna McCreary]

One must also take into consideration that Mary did not receive all of Lincoln's estate. He died without a will, and the money was divided between Mary, Robert, and Tad. The money was tied up for over a year before the estate was settled. Upon leaving the White House, Mary had no income and little money. Merchants who had presented Mary with gifts prior to the assassination, suddenly wanted payment in full.