On a weekday morning, one would see li, livestock wandering the muddy streets after a rain, men, some with ties while others dressed casually, on their way to work avoided children running to school. Moms were already busy inside washing, cooking, and cleaning. Such was Springfield IL in the 1840’s.

Springfield had wrestled the capitol away from downstate Vandalia, thanks in part to legislator Abraham Lincoln.

For most of the year, no one would have seen country lawyer Abraham Lincoln walking to his law office, the one several blocks from his house that he shared with his law partner William Herndon.

Lincoln was one of two lawyers and a judge who made up the Circuit Court. All three traveled, dined, and slept together. After several years as a Circuit lawyer, Lincoln ran successfully for the U.S. Congress.

Wife Mary, against the custom of the day, convinced Abraham to take her to Washington. Thus, Robert, age 5 and little Eddy spent almost 2 years in a Washington boarding house seldom seeing their Pa.

Mary, frustrated by being cooped inside with two small children and no social life, finally told Abraham she was taking the children to Lexington KY to stay with her family.

This gave Robert time with with his grandfather. Little Robert was named after his grandfather, Robert Todd.

Robert Todd, a successful businessman and politican. lived in a big old southern style house with servants and a huge back yard. Lexington, at the time, was considered the “Paris of the Midwest” with it cultural amenities and universities.

Robert certainly remembered that visit (and subsequent visits) for the above reasons but also for another special reason: Todd, his mother’s younger step sister.

Although she was several years older than Robert, they frolicked enjoyed spending time together. Robert was too young to have romantic thoughts, but he looked up to this cultured and beautiful girl.

Emelie and his grandfather were certainly bright spots in Robert’s early years. He looked forward to his visits to Lexington.

Robert and Emelie corresponded from time to time despite Emilie marrying a Confederate officer. Years later, Robert helped Emelie secure a coveted postmaster position in Kentucky. This kept her out of poverty as she had been widowed when her husband was killed in battle.

With his Pa gone frequently and with his Ma frequent “bad days” during his childhood, Robert stepped up to help on the home front. Eddy had died, but there were two little ones, Willie and Tad who required attention.

Robert certainly felt he was the man of the house, but then he would not have been the only one.