Mary and Tad in Germany

[Donna McCreary]

Most recently, scholars say the above photo of Mary was taken in 1862 or 1863 when she was in mourning for Willie. All of the trims on the dress indicate mourning for a child, and the style of the skirt and bodice were popular fashions for '62-'63. Plus, if you look closely at Ostendorf's book, you will find a head and shoulders photo of Mary that he dated as 1861. She is wearing the same dress in both photos.