Mamie Lincoln

Mary Todd "Mamie" Lincoln Isham (October 15, 1869 – November 21, 1938) was an American individual notable for her familial connection to the Lincoln family. She was a granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and the daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln. Mamie was also the mother of Lincoln Isham.

Early Life

Mamie Lincoln was born in Chicago, Illinois, at her father Robert Todd Lincoln's residence. Her birth date was October 15, 1869, and her parents were Mary Eunice Harlan and Robert Todd Lincoln. She was given the nickname "Little Mamie" during her childhood. Her father frequently took her to visit his mother, Mary Todd Lincoln. It is believed that Robert considered Mamie his grandmother Mary Lincoln's "favorite grandchild." During one visit, Mary Lincoln presented her with two expensive dolls. Mamie and her siblings were described as bright, natural, and unpretentious children who were well liked by the community.

In 1886, Mamie and her sister Jessie participated as piano students in the summer session at Iowa Wesleyan. She was enrolled in the Mount Pleasant Chapter A of the P.E.O. Sisterhood beginning on September 17, 1884, just before her 15th birthday. Her sister Jessie was admitted into the same chapter later, on December 31, 1895.

Personal Life

Mamie Lincoln became engaged in London and married Charles Bradford Isham on September 2, 1891. Charles was the son of William Bradley Isham, a merchant and banker. After her marriage, Mamie purchased a residence known as the 1811 house in Manchester, Vermont. In 1892, she gave birth to her only child, Lincoln Isham, in New York City. Lincoln Isham later married Leahalma Correa in August 1919; she was the daughter of Carlos Correa and Mary Gooding. The marriage between Lincoln Isham and Leahalma Correa produced no children.

Mamie spent most of her life residing in New York City, notably at 19 East 72nd Street. In the city, she served as a choir mother at Grace Church on Broadway. Her husband, Charles Bradford Isham, died on June 9, 1919, leaving her a widow. Mamie continued to live in New York City until her health declined in 1938.

Death and Legacy

Mamie Lincoln Isham died at approximately 10:05 a.m. on November 21, 1938, at the age of 69, at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City. At her death, she was the owner of the Healy Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which had been inherited from her mother. The portrait was subsequently transferred to the White House collection upon her passing.