Robert Todd Lincoln | |
|---|---|
 Lincoln c. 1870–1880 | |
| 30th United States Minister to the United Kingdom | |
| In office May 25, 1889 – May 4, 1893 | |
| President | |
| Preceded by | Edward John Phelps |
| Succeeded by | Thomas F. Bayard (as Ambassador) |
| 35th United States Secretary of War | |
| In office March 5, 1881 – March 4, 1885 | |
| President | |
| Preceded by | Alexander Ramsey |
| Succeeded by | William Crowninshield Endicott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1, 1843 Springfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | July 26, 1926 (aged 82) Manchester, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children |
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| Parents | |
| Relatives | Lincoln family |
| Education | |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | February 11 – June 12, 1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | |
Robert Todd Lincoln (August 1, 1843 – July 26, 1926) was an American lawyer and businessman. The eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, he was the only one of their four children to survive past the teenage years and also the only to outlive both parents. Robert Lincoln became a business lawyer and company president, and served as both United States Secretary of War (1881–1885) and the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain (1889–1893).
Lincoln was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Harvard College. He then served on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant as a captain in the Union Army in the closing days of the American Civil War. After the war was over, he married Mary Eunice Harlan, and they had three children together. Following completion of his law school studies in Chicago, he built a successful law practice, and became wealthy representing corporate clients.
Lincoln was often spoken of as a possible candidate for national office, including the presidency, but never took steps to mount a campaign. He served as Secretary of War in the administration of James A. Garfield, continuing under Chester A. Arthur, and as Minister to Great Britain in the Benjamin Harrison administration.
Lincoln became general counsel of the Pullman Company, and after founder George Pullman died in 1897, Lincoln assumed the company's presidency. After retiring from this position in 1911, Lincoln served as chairman of the board until 1924. In Lincoln's later years, he resided at homes in Washington, D.C., and Manchester, Vermont; the Manchester home, Hildene, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In 1922, he took part in the dedication ceremonies for the Lincoln Memorial. Lincoln died at Hildene in July 1926, at age 82, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.