Tad Lincoln facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas "Tad" Lincoln
|
|
|---|---|
Lincoln wearing a military-style uniform, c. 1864
|
|
| Born |
Thomas Lincoln III
April 4, 1853 Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
|
| Died | July 15, 1871 (aged 18) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
|
| Resting place | Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery |
| Education | Elizabeth Street School |
| Parent(s) | Abraham Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln |
| Relatives | See Lincoln family tree or Edward Baker Lincoln (brother), Robert Todd Lincoln (brother), William Wallace Lincoln (brother) |
Thomas "Tad" Lincoln III (born April 4, 1853 – died July 15, 1871) was the fourth and youngest son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. His father gave him the nickname "Tad" because he had a large head and wiggled like a "tadpole" when he was a baby. Tad was known for being lively and free-spirited. He didn't go to school much when his father was alive. He had the run of the White House, and there are fun stories about him interrupting important meetings, keeping many pets, and even charging people to see his father! He passed away suddenly at the age of 18 in Chicago.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Lincoln III was born on April 4, 1853. He was the fourth son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. His older brothers were Robert, Edward, and William. Tad got his nickname from his father because he was small with a big head and moved like a tadpole when he was little.
Tad was born with a cleft lip and palate, which caused him to have speech problems. He had a lisp and spoke very quickly, making it hard for some people to understand him. Only those closest to him could often tell what he was saying. For example, he called his father's bodyguard, William H. Crook, "Took."
When Tad and his brother Willie lived in Springfield, they were known for being quite mischievous. Their father's law partner, William Herndon, once wrote that the boys would turn their law office upside down, pulling books off the shelves, while their father didn't seem to notice.
Life in the White House
When their father was elected President, Tad and Willie moved into the White House. It quickly became their new home and playground. Mrs. Lincoln even invited other children, "Bud" and "Holly" Taft, to play with the young Lincolns.
In February 1862, both Tad and Willie became sick with typhoid fever. Sadly, Willie died on February 20, but Tad recovered. Tad was very sad about losing his brother. His mother also sent his playmates away because they reminded her too much of Willie. After Willie's death, Tad's parents became even more understanding of his behavior. Tad spent almost all his time with his father.
During his father's time as President, Tad was very energetic and didn't attend school regularly. John Hay, who worked for President Lincoln, wrote that Tad's many tutors at the White House often gave up in frustration. Tad had free run of the White House. There are stories of him interrupting important presidential meetings, collecting many different animals, and even charging visitors a small fee to see his father!
Later Years and Passing
After his father's assassination, Mary, Robert, and Tad Lincoln lived together in Chicago. Robert moved out after a short time. Tad then started attending school. In 1868, Tad and his mother moved to Europe. They lived in Germany and then in England for almost three years.
Tad continued to have speech difficulties, which sometimes caused problems when he was in school in Chicago. At the Elizabeth Street School, some schoolmates called him "Stuttering Tad." However, he learned to manage his speech better as he grew into a teenager.
On Saturday, July 15, 1871, Tad Lincoln passed away at the age of 18. The cause of his death has been described in different ways, including tuberculosis, a lung infection, or heart problems. He died at the Clifton House hotel in Chicago. In an obituary, John Hay fondly called him "Little Tad."
Tad's funeral services were held at his brother Robert's home in Chicago. His body was then taken to Springfield and buried in the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. He rests there alongside his father and two of his brothers. Robert traveled with the casket on the train, but his mother, Mary, was too upset to make the trip.
See also
In Spanish: Tad Lincoln para niños
