The Curse upon Robert T. Lincoln: A Lifelong Journey Through Tragedy and Fate

Introduction to Robert T. Lincoln's life

Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of Abraham Lincoln, was born into a family who would always be haunted by tragedy. His father, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated in 1865, and throughout Robert's life, he would witness and experience a series of unfortunate events, all of which seemed to carry the shadow of his family’s dark past.

Robert's Journey Through Tragedy

Early Years and Influence of His Father's Assassination

Robert T. Lincoln was a 78-year-old man in 1922, when he walked up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., supported by two men. It was during this time that he felt his life was cursed. The early death of his father and the tragic demise of his other siblings had a profound impact on him. His older brothers, Edward and William, had died at a young age, and his last brother, Thomas, passed away in the White House in 1862.

Despite not being present during his father's assassination, Robert witnessed the aftermath of the tragic event that changed his life. His mother fell into a manic depression, and Robert had to comfort her after his father's death. Subsequently, Robert found himself entangled in the lives of three U.S. presidents due to his last name and the positions he held.

Political Involvement and Assassinations

Robert's Political Career and Proximity to Tragedy

After years of declining political offers, Robert eventually agreed to serve as Secretary of War under President James A. Garfield in 1881. It was a fateful year, as Garfield was assassinated by an anarchist shortly after taking office. Robert was only 10 minutes away from Garfield but felt that the murder could have been different. Despite the tragic event, Garfield passed away 80 days later, leading to Chester A. Arthur becoming the new president.

Robert's connection to presidential deaths continued. A year after witnessing Garfield's assassination, Robert was sent to Buffalo, New York, to join his family during the Pan-American Exposition. He received a telegram informing him that President William McKinley had been shot by an anarchist. Robert stayed with McKinley for a few minutes but found he was in fairly good condition. However, McKinley died a week later due to an infected wound. This was followed by Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration.

The Legacy of Tragedy and Destiny

Robert's Sense of Fate and Its Impact

Robert Lincoln's life is a testament to the notion that one's destiny can be twisted by tragic events. His connection to the deaths of three presidents, alongside the untimely deaths of his brothers, left a profound impact on him. Some legends suggested that he was present at three assassinations, but this is not entirely accurate. However, his proximity to historical events and the high likelihood of being present at assassinations cannot be ignored.

Robert often found it difficult to form attachments due to his fear of causing harm to those he loved. The weight of his family's past and his close connection to historical violence seemed to follow him wherever he went. There are elements of fate and coincidence in his life, but why certain events happen, we may never truly understand.

Conclusion

Robert T. Lincoln's life is a profound blend of historical tragedy and personal fortitude. From the untimely deaths of his siblings and his father to his involvement with the deaths of three presidents, Robert's journey is one of constant reminders of fate and destiny.

Footnotes

Source: Luise
Disclaimer: English is not my mother tongue, pardon my mistakes. Please do not translate my answers because I do it by myself.