Last Surviving Member of Great Emancipator’s Family Passes at Summer Home Near Manchester, Vt.—Was Secretary of War Under Two Presidents—U. S. Minister to Great Britain — Identified With Pullman Company
Manchester, Vt., July 26—(AP)—Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln and the last surviving member of the Civil war president’s immediate family, is dead. He passed away in his sleep at his summer home, Hildene, early today. Had he lived until August 1, he would have been 83 years old.
Although he never sought public office, he rose to high position in both public life and the business world. He served as secretary of war under two presidents and was United States minister to Great Britain under President Harrison, He served for years as counsellor for the Pullman Company, became president and later chairman of the board of directors. Advancing age and declining health caused Mr. Lincoln to retire early from business activity between two and three years ago. This year his health had been feeble and since he came to his summer home last May he had ventured out of doors but once each day and then only for an automobile ride. His health within recent weeks had not been noticeable poorer, however, and he took his customary ride yesterday. But this morning, when servants went to awaken him, they found he had died, probably several hours earlier.
Mrs. Lincoln, two daughters and three grandchildren survive him. Mrs. Lincoln and two of his grand-children, Mary Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, were at his summer home here when he passed away. Mrs. F. E. Johnson. daughter of Mr. Lincoln and mother of the children, was said to be in Washington. Mrs. Charles Isham, his other daughter, is passing the summer at her home here. His third grandchild is Lincoln Isham, of New York City.
Mr. Lincoln first came to Manchester 63 years ago this summer, long before this Vermont village won fame as an exclusive summer resort. With his mother, he registered at the Equinox House. It was said that the president hoped to come her for a rest but never was able to make the trip, owing to the war. After various visits, Robert Lincoln bought several hundred acres of mountain and valley land in 1902 and developed the estate that he made his summer home ever since.
Mr. Lincoln was an enthusiastic amateur astronomer and passed many hours in the observatory which he built on his estate. The property included gardens, lawns and woodland.
A simple funeral service will be held at the summer home here on Wednesday. Members of the family said it would be distinctly private. The body will be placed in the vault at Dellwood Cemetery, Manchester, and later taken to Springfield. Ills., for interment in the family tomb.
Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME, July 27, 1926
