Abraham Lincoln Family Hardships

Nancy Hanks Lincoln• Mother of Abraham Lincoln

• Had three children: Sarah, Abraham and Thomas.

• Died in 1818 of “Milk Sickness.” She was diagnosed with it while nursing a neighbor who had it.

• Abraham was only 9 when she died.

• Encouraged Abraham to read and learn.

• Abraham helped his father saw wood to make her coffin.

• The death of his Mother left a deep scar in Abraham.

Mary Todd Lincoln

• Wife of Abraham Lincoln

• Came from a wealthy family

• Mary’s parents tried to prevent their marriage. Abe Lincoln (31) broke off the first engagement to Mary (21), and sunk into a deep depression, refusing to leave his room for a week.

• Fifteen moths later they were reunited.

Eddie Lincoln (2nd Son)• Edward died at the age of

four of pulmonary tuberculosis

• Deeply scarred parents.

• Buried a few blocks away from home under the stone on the right.

• Was a tender boy who once tried to help a kitten recover.

Willie Lincoln (3rd Son)

• William was Abraham and Mary’s third son.

• Willie died at age 11 of typhoid fever. Tad (4th son) also came down with the fever (pictured reading to the right) but recovered.

• Death took place during a depressing time of the Civil War.

• Lincoln plunged into the deepest gloom he had known and shut himself in his room to weep alone.

How did Abraham Lincoln

cope with these hardships?

How to Cope with Hardships

• Accept the hardship.

• Avoid blame.

• Practice patience.

• Express commitment and affection.

• Have open communication.

• Support your family.

• Help each other.

• Control anger.

• Reduce stress.