Jessie Harlan Lincoln was one of the interesting grandchildren of Abraham Lincoln. Her life was filled with privilege, family struggles, and a strong link to one of America’s most famous presidents. Born into a well-known family, Jessie faced both the benefits and challenges that came with her background. In this article, we will look at the story of Jessie Harlan Lincoln, exploring her life and how her family’s history influenced her.
Who Is Jessie Harlan Lincoln?
Jessie Harlan Lincoln was born on November 6, 1875, in Chicago. She was the second daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Eunice Harlan. Robert was the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood.
As the granddaughter of the 16th U.S. president, Jessie was born into a life of privilege and opportunity. However, her life was also marked by family tragedy and personal struggles. Despite the challenges, she lived an fascinating life that is worth exploring.
Jessie Harlan Lincoln’s Early Life
Jessie spent much of her childhood in Washington, D.C. and London. This was due to her father’s prestigious government positions. Robert Lincoln served as Secretary of War and Minister to Great Britain.
Jessie grew up alongside her two siblings – an older sister named Mary “Mamie” and a younger brother named Abraham “Jack” II. Sadly, her brother Jack died from blood poisoning at the age of 16 in 1890. This tragedy greatly affected the close-knit Lincoln family.
Family Connections Of Jessie Harlan Lincoln
Jessie Harlan Lincoln was married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to Warren Wallace Beckwith in 1897, at the age of 22. Together they had two children: Mary Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1907.
In 1915, Jessie married Frank Edward Johnson, but this union also ended in divorce in 1925. Her third and final marriage was to electrical engineer Robert John Randolph in 1926. They remained married until Jessie’s death, although they did not have any children together.
Jessie’s father, Robert Todd Lincoln, was very wealthy. He established trust funds for Jessie and her sister Mamie. Interestingly, Jessie received more money than Mamie because Robert felt that Jessie was more financially irresponsible and needed extra support.
In her later years, Jessie lived at Hildene, the Lincoln family estate in Manchester, Vermont. She passed away from a heart attack on January 4, 1948 at the age of 72. Jessie was buried near Hildene at Dellwood Cemetery, although there had been plans to inter her at Arlington National Cemetery with other members of the Lincoln family.
Married Life Of Jessie Harlan Lincoln
Jessie’s personal life was marked by three marriages. In 1897, she wed Warren Wallace Beckwith against her father’s wishes. The couple had two children together: Mary Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last confirmed descendant of Abraham Lincoln.
However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1907. Jessie then married Frank Edward Johnson in 1915, but this union also ended in divorce in 1925. Her third and final marriage was to electrical engineer Robert John Randolph in 1926. They remained together until Jessie’s passing, though they had no children.
How Was Her Life in Rutland, Vermont?
In her later years, Jessie resided at Hildene, the Lincoln family estate located in the scenic town of Manchester, Vermont. She spent her final days in Rutland, Vermont, where she passed away on January 4, 1948, at the age of 72 in Rutland Hospital.
Though initial plans were made to inter Jessie at Arlington National Cemetery, her final resting place is Dellwood Cemetery, close to her beloved Hildene estate in Vermont. Rutland and the surrounding area provided a peaceful setting for Jessie’s twilight years.
Her Sad Death
Jessie Harlan Lincoln’s death marked the end of an era. She had witnessed the turn of the century, two World Wars, and the transformation of American society. Her passing at Rutland Hospital on January 4, 1948, at the age of 72, was a somber event.
The initial intention was to bury Jessie at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to her status as a member of one of America’s most prominent families. However, the decision was made to lay her to rest at Dellwood Cemetery, a tranquil spot near her cherished Hildene home in Manchester, Vermont.
Jessie’s Role In Preserving The Lincoln Legacy
As the granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln, Jessie played a significant role in preserving her family’s legacy. She was a custodian of Hildene, the Lincoln family’s Vermont estate, which served as a repository of Lincoln history and memorabilia.
Jessie’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, was the last undisputed descendant of the Great Emancipator. Through her children and her stewardship of Hildene, Jessie helped ensure that the Lincoln name and heritage would endure for generations to come.
Conclusion
Jessie Harlan Lincoln lived a life that was both special and difficult, shaped by her famous family. As the granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln, she faced personal struggles, including the loss of family members and the challenges of her marriages. Despite these hardships, Jessie played an important role in keeping her family’s history alive through her care for Hildene and her connections with her children.
Her life shows us the challenges that come with being part of a well-known family and highlights the lasting influence of that family’s legacy. Jessie Harlan Lincoln’s story reminds us of the personal experiences behind famous people, helping us understand how family history shapes our view of the past.
