Young Mary Todd

Mary Todd was born in 1818 to Robert and Eliza Parker Todd, each of them decedents of wealthy and prominent families.

When Mary Todd was six years old, her mother gave birth to her 7th child. This was Mary's youngest brother, George Rogers Clark Todd. Eliza Todd died shortly thereafter due to childbirth complications, and less than 6 months after her death, in 1825, Robert Todd (Mary's father) proposed to Elizabeth Humphreys. As an engagement gift he presented Ms. Humphreys with a miniature portrait by Matthew Jouett.

As a young woman, Mary attended boarding school across the street from Ashland, Henry Clay's estate. Mary's eldest sister, Elizabeth, married a very prominent lawyer, and at the age of 20 Mary Todd went to visit them in Springfield, IL.