Miss Todd left at the altar

[Donna McCreary]

In another thread, we began to discuss whether or not the story of Abraham leaving Mary at the altar is a true story. I think it is a myth that is based on a minor piece of fact. Yes, Miss Todd was left standing alone on her wedding day. However, the "Miss Todd" in question was not Mary, but rather her sister Ann.

From a letter written by Julia Trumbull to her sister-in-law (dated November 18, 1846) we learn that Ann’s summer vacation had included a summer romance. Julia’s tone reflects some disapproval of the groom, or at least disapproval of his common last name.

“You remember Ann Todd of Springfield. She this summer paid a visit to Carrolton where she received acquainted with a gentleman named Smith (an unusual & romantic name is it not?) on her return home she made extensive preparations for a wedding, had a number of party dresses made.”

Julia went into details about the wedding plans and the events of the wedding day. She wrote, “at the appointed time instead of the groom, the intelligence reached her that he was sick.” The groom was not going to arrive that day. Ann, probably embarrassed and furious about being stood up, stated that, “she had learned that Mr. Smith’s health was very delicate & fearing she would be a young widow, she had declined marrying him.” Clark Smith arrived in Springfield the following Sunday determined to marry Ann. The wedding was quickly arranged with “Ann hardly giving her sisters time to dress for the occasion.”

There were no parties of celebrations for Ann and Clark following the ceremony. The left for Carrolton that same night and soon began their family.

Years later when Springfield gossips were repeating the story of Miss Todd being left on her wedding day, it is possible those recording the story confused the two Miss Todds.

The question was asked earlier, did William Herndon deliberately replace "Mary Ann Todd" with "Ann Todd" to hurt or embarrass Mary? Or did he make an honest mistake?