Edward Baker Lincoln was the second son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, born on March 10, 1846, in Springfield, Illinois. Affectionately known as "Eddie," he lived a remarkably brief life, passing away on February 1, 1850, just weeks before his fourth birthday. While his time on Earth was short, his presence within the Lincoln household and the profound grief caused by his death left an indelible mark on his father, the future 16th President of the United States.

Who was Edward Baker Lincoln?

Edward Baker Lincoln was born in the family home located at Eighth and Jackson Streets in Springfield. He was the younger brother of Robert Todd Lincoln and was named in honor of Edward Dickinson Baker, a close political ally and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. Eddie is remembered by historians primarily through the tender domestic letters exchanged between his parents, which paint a picture of a compassionate, spirited, and beloved child whose life was cut short by the pervasive diseases of the mid-19th century.

The Significance of the Namesake: Edward Dickinson Baker

To understand the importance of Edward Baker Lincoln, one must first examine the man for whom he was named. Edward Dickinson Baker was a charismatic lawyer, politician, and soldier who shared a deep bond with Abraham Lincoln. They were both Whigs in Illinois, and their friendship was characterized by mutual respect and a shared oratorical prowess.

Baker’s influence on Lincoln was significant. He served in the Illinois legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and eventually the U.S. Senate representing Oregon. His military service was equally distinguished, spanning the Black Hawk War, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. It was the birth of Eddie in 1846 that solidified this bond; naming a child after a friend was a high honor in 19th-century American culture, signifying a brotherhood that transcended politics.

The loss of both the namesake and the son would later haunt Lincoln. Edward Dickinson Baker was killed in 1861 at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, an event that reportedly moved President Lincoln to tears, reminding him perhaps of the young son he had lost a decade prior.

Life in the Lincoln Home in Springfield

During Eddie's short life, the Lincoln family was experiencing a period of transition. Abraham Lincoln was advancing his legal career and serving a term in the U.S. Congress (1847–1849). Consequently, much of what is known about Eddie comes from correspondence during Lincoln’s time in Washington D.C. or during family travels.

One of the most enduring anecdotes of Eddie’s personality involves a stray kitten. During a visit to Mary Todd’s family home in Lexington, Kentucky, Eddie’s older brother Robert found a kitten. Mary Lincoln recounted in a letter to her husband how Eddie’s "tenderness broke forth" upon seeing the animal. He insisted on feeding the kitten himself with bread and water. When Mary’s stepmother, who disliked cats, ordered the kitten out of the house, Eddie protested with "long and loud" screams. This story is frequently cited by biographers to illustrate the boy's innate compassion and spirited nature.

Abraham Lincoln’s own letters reflect a doting and involved father. In 1848, he wrote to Mary about his unsuccessful search for "plaid stockings" that would fit "Eddy’s dear little feet." He also mimicked the two-year-old’s pronunciation, noting that the boy believed his father had "gone tapila" (to the Capitol). These small details humanize the legendary figure of Lincoln, showing him not as a distant politician, but as a father deeply invested in the mundane comforts of his children.

Why did Edward Baker Lincoln die so young?

The winter of 1849 proved fatal for the young boy. Eddie fell ill in December and suffered for 52 agonizing days. On February 1, 1850, he succumbed to his illness. The official cause of death at the time was listed in census records as "chronic consumption," a 19th-century term for pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Traditional Diagnosis: Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis was a leading cause of death in the mid-1800s, especially in developing frontier towns like Springfield. The lack of antibiotics and a limited understanding of germ theory meant that "consumption" was a death sentence for many children. The symptoms—weight loss, persistent coughing, and a slow wasting away—matched the descriptions of Eddie’s final weeks.

The Modern Hypothesis: MEN 2B Syndrome

In recent decades, medical historians and geneticists have proposed an alternative theory regarding the health of the Lincoln family. Dr. John Sotos, in his study of the physical characteristics of Abraham Lincoln and his descendants, suggested that the family may have been affected by Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B).

This genetic syndrome causes medullary thyroid cancer and is associated with specific physical traits, such as:

  • A tall, thin build (Marfanoid habitus).
  • Thick, asymmetric lips.
  • Gastrointestinal issues.

Proponents of this theory point to Eddie’s portrait, which shows a prominent lower lip, and the fact that three of the four Lincoln sons died before reaching adulthood (Eddie at 3, Willie at 11, and Tad at 18). While Abraham Lincoln lived to 56, some argue he may have had a milder or later-onset version of the condition. However, the consensus among most Lincoln scholars remains that tuberculosis was the most likely culprit, as it was rampant in the community at the time.

The Impact of Grief on Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln

The death of Eddie was the first great tragedy to strike the Lincoln family. Mary Todd Lincoln, who was already prone to bouts of depression and anxiety, was devastated. Abraham Lincoln, though often stoic in public, was deeply affected. He spent many hours in quiet contemplation and was known to weep over the loss of his "little boy."

Historians often suggest that the loss of Eddie changed Lincoln’s perspective on life and fate. It introduced a vein of melancholy that would become more pronounced as he faced the national crisis of the Civil War and the subsequent death of his son Willie in the White House in 1862.

In a letter to his stepbrother John D. Johnston shortly after the funeral, Lincoln wrote, "We miss him very much," a simple yet profound statement of the void left in their household. The birth of William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln ten months later provided some solace to the grieving parents, but Eddie was never forgotten.

Solving the Mystery of the Little Eddie Poem

Following Eddie's death, an unsigned poem titled "Little Eddie" was published in the Illinois Daily Journal. For over a century, many believed that Abraham or Mary Lincoln had written the verses themselves to process their grief. The poem is a poignant example of Victorian funeral imagery:

"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—"

However, a 2012 study published by the Abraham Lincoln Association debunked the theory of parental authorship. Through linguistic analysis and historical records, researchers concluded that the poem was actually an early work by an anonymous young poet from St. Louis. Despite this, the poem remains a vital part of Eddie’s history, as the final line—"Pure little bud in kindness given, in mercy taken to bloom in heaven"—was inscribed on his original gravestone.

The Journey to the Lincoln Tomb

Eddie was initially buried at Hutchinson Cemetery in Springfield. The funeral service was held at the Lincoln home and conducted by the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. For years, the small grave served as a place of pilgrimage for the parents.

After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, the family sought a permanent and grander resting place. Eddie’s remains, along with those of his brothers Willie and Tad, were eventually moved to the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Today, visitors to the tomb can see the crypts where the Lincoln family rests together. Eddie’s original gravestone, featuring the "Pure little bud" inscription, is preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, serving as a physical link to a lost era of the President’s life.

How Edward Baker Lincoln is Remembered Today

In the broader context of American history, Edward Baker Lincoln is often a footnote compared to his father’s monumental achievements. However, for those who study the "Human Lincoln," Eddie is essential. He represents the private struggles of a man who would go on to lead a nation through its darkest hour.

The sites associated with Eddie’s life, such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, continue to educate the public about the domestic realities of the 19th century. Seeing the rooms where Eddie played and the stairs where he likely ran brings a sense of reality to the historical narrative, reminding us that even the greatest figures in history were parents who suffered the universal pain of losing a child.

Summary: Key Facts about Edward Baker Lincoln

  • Birth: March 10, 1846, in Springfield, Illinois.
  • Death: February 1, 1850, likely from tuberculosis.
  • Parents: Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln.
  • Namesake: Named after Colonel Edward Dickinson Baker.
  • Burial Place: Currently interred at the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
  • Historical Significance: His death was the first of many family tragedies that shaped Abraham Lincoln's character and emotional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Eddie Lincoln's full name?

His full name was Edward Baker Lincoln. He was named after his father's friend, Edward Dickinson Baker.

How did Eddie Lincoln die?

The official records from the 1850s list his cause of death as "chronic consumption" (tuberculosis). Some modern researchers have hypothesized that he might have suffered from a genetic cancer syndrome called MEN 2B, though this remains unproven.

Where is Edward Baker Lincoln buried?

He is buried in the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, alongside his parents and three of his brothers.

Did Abraham Lincoln write a poem for Eddie?

For a long time, it was believed that the poem "Little Eddie" was written by Abraham or Mary Lincoln. However, historical research in 2012 confirmed that the poem was written by a different, anonymous poet from St. Louis.

How many brothers did Eddie Lincoln have?

Eddie had three brothers: Robert Todd Lincoln (the eldest), William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln (born after Eddie's death), and Thomas "Tad" Lincoln (the youngest).