Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln was the wife of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. She is widely remembered for her extravagant love of fashion, her high-pitched voice, and her ability to make even the most serious of politicians run for the hills.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Mary Todd was the belle of the ball in her hometown of Lexington. With her sparkling personality and stunning looks, she was the envy of every Southern belle within a hundred-mile radius. However, as she grew older, her love of shopping became more and more apparent. Legend has it that her shoe collection alone cost more than the annual budget of the entire state of Kentucky.
But Mary Todd was more than just a fashionista. She was also a fierce political strategist who was feared by many of her husband’s rivals. It was said that if you crossed Mary Todd, you might as well start packing your bags and moving to Canada because she would never forget your transgressions.
One of her most infamous moments occurred during a White House dinner party when she caught a guest pouring gravy on her prized silk tablecloth. Mary Todd promptly threw a hissy fit, causing the guest to run out of the room in embarrassment.
Unfortunately, Mary Todd’s love of drama and extravagance had a dark side. She suffered from depression, paranoia, and delusions, leading many to believe that she may have been mentally ill. Her erratic behavior became a constant source of tension in the White House and was one of the contributing factors to her husband’s assassination.
In the end, Mary Todd Lincoln will always be remembered as a complex figure who was both a fashion icon and a political powerhouse. She may have been prone to throwing tantrums and causing chaos, but her ability to command a room and strike fear into the hearts of her enemies was truly unparalleled.