
MOUNT VERNON - While battling for her widow’s pension, Mary Todd Lincoln traveled to Germany in 1868 for her health and to escape her many creditors. Left almost penniless and both mentally and physically ill in February 1870, she poured out her troubles and petitioned James Orne for money. Orne was a prominent Philadelphia Republican married to a good friend of Mary’s. She asked Orne to use his influence to settle her affairs so that she could improve her dire situation. Mrs. Lincoln finally received her pension later in 1870 and returned to America in 1871. She was briefly committed to an asylum and died in 1882.
What did really happen to Mary Todd Lincoln after her husband was murdered? On Thursday April 12 you can find out when Barbara Brugler returns as Mary Lincoln after the assassination. Barbara has presented Mary in the White House and along with her real husband Robert, the couple portray Abraham and Mary at many gathering around the country.
Barbara will be presenting a first person Chautauqua brought to you by Elixir Presents with the support of the Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel. The program is donation based and held at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square, lower level conference room) and is easily accessible to those with special needs. The doors open at 6 PM and the program begins with the musical stylings of Bill Miller, acoustic instrument musician.
For information on this and upcoming programs, visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or call either 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” via email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com. If you would like to friend us on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/elixir.americana.