Edward Baker Lincoln

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Edward "Eddie" Baker Lincoln (March 10, 1846 – February 1, 1850) was the second son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln.

His was named after Lincoln's friend Edward Dickinson Baker.

Little is known about Eddie's life, but some sources bring forth a surviving story of the son whom his parents called “a tender boy.” In the spring of 1848 Mary and the boys left Washington to visit her family in Lexington, Kentucky. One day during their stay, the Lincolns' eldest son, Robert, found a kitten and brought it to the house. Despite Mary’s stepmother's dislike of cats and order to throw it out, Eddie screamed and protested. He nursed and cared for the helpless kitten, whom he loved.

Edward died when he was only three years old of pulmonary tuberculosis. His death devastated his parents.

A week after his death, Mary or Abraham (who actually authored the following is unknown) wrote a poem entitled "Little Eddie" which was printed "by request" in the Illinois State Journal.

"Those midnight stars are sadly dimmed,

That late so brilliantly shone,

And the crimson tinge from cheek and lip,

With the heart's warm life has flown -

The angel of Death was hovering nigh,

And the lovely boy was called to die.

The silken waves of his glossy hair

Lie still over his marble brow,

And the pallid lip and pearly cheek

The presence of Death avow.

Pure little bud in kindness given,

In mercy taken to bloom in heaven.

Happier far is the angel child

With the harp and the crown of gold,

Who warbles now at the Savior's feet

The glories to us untold.

Eddie, meet blossom of heavenly love,

Dwells in the spirit-world above.

Angel Boy - fare thee well, farewell

Sweet Eddie, We bid thee adieu!

Affection's wail cannot reach thee now

Deep though it be, and true.

Bright is the home to him now given

For 'of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.''"

Some historians state that Eddie's death was the beginning of Mary Todd's journey to instability. Though heart broken by the loss of their second son, she and Abraham found great joy again at the birth of a third child, William "Willie" Wallace Lincoln.