ed to Springfield, Illinois. Mary visited her sisters often and in 1839 moved to Springfield to live with Frances and her husband, William Wallace (Baker 79).After spending some time in Springfield, Mary started to look for a husband. It's been said that "social affairs became critical episodes for women in their twenties, who soon must marry or be old maids" (82). The fear of being an old maid caused her to attend many social events where she met many guys. Mary's brother-in-law, Edward, and her cousin, John Todd Stuart, both had government positions. They helped her meet her future husband, Abraham Lincoln, who at the time was a delegate in the state legislature.Mary and Abraham were two very different people, and their meeting was anything but love at first sight (83). In 1840, their relationship was going well and there was talk of marriage. A year later they both were having doubts and they broke things off for a while. Mary was scared that she was going to marry the wrong guy. Because in the 1800?s, one you were married that was it. Even if the love was no more, the marriage stayed. Lincoln had also. As the son of a farmer, he was worried financially, thinking he might not be able to support her. The break up was hard for both of them, especially Mary "...Mary Todd was caught in a female dilemma between girlish sociability and wifely withdrawal..."(92). The two got back together in 1842, after having a difficult time away from each other. In fact, three days after the election in November of 1842, Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln got married. The Lincoln?s' marriage was not centered on love but on politics. Their relationship was more of a friendship with random signs of affection.. Mary provided Lincoln with children, friendship, and domestic, economic and political support (131). Mary used her background to teach Lincoln how to dress and proper manners to help him be successful politically. Politics were importa...
