New Biography Highlights Women’s Influence on Lincoln’s Legacy

A new biography titled Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln’s Life and Legacy, authored by Stacy Lynn, delves into the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in shaping the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Published by Southern Illinois University Press in October 2023, the book expands the traditional narrative surrounding Lincoln, highlighting the roles of women who influenced his personal and political journeys.

Through 310 pages of detailed accounts, Lynn illustrates how various women—friends, relatives, and supporters—played crucial roles in Lincoln’s rise to prominence. The author emphasizes that Lincoln’s achievements as a leader were not solely the result of his own efforts. Instead, they were significantly bolstered by the support and advocacy of women around him. These included those who sought pardons for family members, writers like Ida Tarbell and Ruth Painter Randall, and even his wife, Mary Lincoln, each of whom contributed to his legacy in meaningful ways.

Lynn’s narrative is informed by her own experiences working on Lincoln’s papers, where she faced gender-based discrimination. She recalls an incident where a senior male colleague made a disparaging comment about her appearance, underscoring the challenges women often face in historical scholarship. Her personal journey informs her perspective, making the book a candid exploration of the impact of sexism in both the past and present.

One of the central arguments in Loving Lincoln is that Lincoln’s mother and stepmother were pivotal figures in his life, nurturing qualities that allowed him to empathize deeply with others. Lynn asserts that no individual achieves greatness in isolation, countering the notion of Lincoln as a self-made man. Instead, he was shaped by the influences of the women who surrounded him, which significantly informed his approach to governance and public welfare.

The book places considerable focus on Mary Lincoln, who is depicted as a complex figure. Despite her occasional alienation of Lincoln’s supporters, her political insight and unwavering support played a crucial role in his administration. Lynn highlights how Mary’s influence helped Lincoln navigate the tumultuous political landscape of his time, making her a vital partner in his journey.

In a particularly illuminating episode, Lynn recounts a confrontation between Ida Tarbell and John Nicolay, Lincoln’s secretary and biographer. Nicolay’s dismissive remarks about Tarbell’s research ambitions only fueled her determination to uncover new evidence about Lincoln’s life. This dedication led to significant findings, showcasing Tarbell’s role as a pioneer among Lincoln biographers, even as her contributions have been overshadowed in contemporary scholarship.

The narrative also features the young sculptor Vinnie Ream, who faced gender bias as she embarked on creating her statue of Lincoln. At just 18 years old, Ream confronted male opposition but ultimately emerged as one of the prominent artists capturing Lincoln’s humanity. Lynn’s portrayal of Ream reveals how women artists contributed to the cultural legacy of Lincoln, further accentuating the book’s theme of women’s critical roles.

Lynn integrates numerous letters from Lincoln to women during his presidency, demonstrating his acknowledgment of their contributions to the war effort. By advocating for pardons and engaging in reconciliation efforts, women helped shape the post-Civil War landscape. The sheer volume of women highlighted in this biography underscores a historical narrative that has often been neglected, revealing the depth of their influence on Lincoln’s thoughts and policies.

In summary, Loving Lincoln presents a compelling case for the importance of women in the historical narrative surrounding Abraham Lincoln. It serves not only as a tribute to their contributions but also as a reminder of the broader implications of their roles in shaping history. This biography eloquently illustrates that the personal connections and societal contributions of women were integral to the legacy of one of America’s most revered presidents.