The Forgotten Second Son

Abraham Lincoln’s second son Edward Baker Lincoln died February 1st 1850.

Edward “Eddie” Baker Lincoln was born in the family home in Springfield, Illinois on March 10th 1846, the second child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. He was named for a family friend Edward Dickinson Baker. He was remembered as a kind, tender hearted, and loving child. Eddie didn't make it to his fourth birthday, he died February 1st 1850. The census taken the year of Eddie’s death list his cause of death as “chronic consumption”, perhaps diphtheria. His parents were devastated by the death, and many feel it may have pushed Mary Lincoln toward instability. Eddie is buried in the family tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield Illinois.