William Wallace Lincoln facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Wallace Lincoln
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Lincoln (c. 1859–1860)
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| Born | December 21, 1850 Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | February 20, 1862 (aged 11) Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Cause of death | Typhoid fever |
| Resting place | Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Parent(s) | Abraham Lincoln Mary Todd Lincoln |
| Relatives | See Lincoln family |
William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln (born December 21, 1850 – died February 20, 1862) was the third son of Abraham Lincoln, who became President of the United States, and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Willie was named after his mother's brother-in-law, Dr. William Smith Wallace. Sadly, he passed away from typhoid fever at the White House while his father was president.
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Willie Lincoln's Early Life
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Willie Lincoln was born in Springfield, Illinois, on December 21, 1850. His older brother, Eddie, had died earlier that year, just before his fourth birthday. Willie was born about ten months after Eddie's death.
Willie and his younger brother, Tad, were well-known members of the Lincoln family. William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln's law partner, shared stories about the boys. He said that Lincoln would sometimes bring Willie and Tad to his law office.
Herndon noted that the boys were allowed to play freely. They might pull books from shelves or make a mess, but it never bothered their father. Abraham Lincoln was always kind and calm with his sons.
Willie's Thoughtful Side
Even though he could be mischievous, Willie also had a serious and thoughtful side. People said he was very much like his father in this way. Willie enjoyed writing and playing with words, just like Abraham Lincoln.
When his father's friend, Edward Dickinson Baker, was killed in a battle in 1861, ten-year-old Willie wrote a special tribute for him. This tribute was even printed in a newspaper called the National Republican.
Another time, in 1859, Willie went with his father on a business trip to Chicago. Willie was very excited and wrote a letter to a friend about his trip. He described Chicago as a "very beautiful place." He also mentioned that he and his father went to two theaters.
Willie also wrote about their hotel room, saying, "Me and father have a nice little room to ourselves." He even noticed the small details, like having two pitchers and two towels, one small for him and one larger for his father.
Life in the White House
When Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States, Willie and Tad moved into the White House with their family. Their mother, Mary, wanted to make sure they weren't lonely in their new home.
She asked the wife of a federal judge, Horatio Nelson Taft, if her sons could play with Willie and Tad. "Bud" (Horatio Nelson Taft Jr.) was 14, and "Holly" (Halsey Cook Taft) was 12.
The Taft boys brought their 16-year-old sister, Julia Taft Bayne, to watch over them while they played. Later, Julia wrote about her memories of Willie. She described him as "the most lovable boy I ever knew." She also said he was "bright, sensible, sweet-tempered and gentle-mannered."
Willie Lincoln's Death
In early 1862, Willie and Tad both became very sick. Doctors at the time called it "bilious fever," but it was most likely typhoid fever. This illness was probably caused by dirty water systems in the White House.
After a few days, Tad started to get better and stronger. However, Willie grew weaker and weaker. Abraham and Mary Lincoln spent a lot of time by his bedside. Willie passed away on February 20, 1862.
Family Grief
Willie's death deeply affected the entire Lincoln family. Abraham Lincoln said, "My poor boy. He was too good for this earth. God has called him home." He added, "I know that he is much better off in heaven, but then we loved him so much. It is hard, hard to have him die!" After the funeral, he went into a room alone and cried.
Mary Lincoln was so heartbroken that she stayed in bed for three weeks. She was too sad to go to Willie's funeral or even take care of Tad. She never again went into the Green Room, where Willie's body was prepared, or the room where he died.
Abraham Lincoln found comfort in taking care of Tad, who was still recovering and also grieving for his brother. Mary also stopped allowing Bud and Holly Taft to visit the White House. They reminded her too much of Willie.
Burial and Reburial
Willie was first buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. After his father, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated in 1865, Willie's body was moved.
He was reburied at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. First, he was placed in a temporary tomb. Then, in 1871, he was moved to a special state tomb alongside his father and his brother, Eddie. Later, Tad and Mary Lincoln were also laid to rest in the same tomb.
Willie Lincoln in Books
Willie's death and his father's sadness are part of the 2017 novel Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. This book won a major award called the Man Booker Prize.
A made-up version of Willie's death also appears in the novel and movie Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.
See Also
