(The portrait attached here is that of Matilda Betham-Edwards, b. 1836 d. 1919, a British novelist. It does NOT depict Matilda Rachel (nee Edwards) Strong of whom no known portraits exist.)
Born 1822, KY, reared in Edwardsville and Alton, IL, Educated at Jacksonville Female Academy. Socialite. Daughter of Illinois Whig legislator, Cyrus Edwards. Cousin of Ninian Edwards--husband of Mary Todd's sister, Elizabeth Todd. Spent winter of 1840-41 at home of cousin in Springfield, IL, attracting the attention of Abraham Lincoln. Became roommate and rival of Mary Todd. Possibly responsible for break in Lincoln and Todd's engagement. Reportedly refused Douglas', Speed's and Lincoln's proposals. Married attorney Newton Deming Strong(1844)--brother of Supreme Court Justice William D. Strong. Moved with husband to Reading, PA, where he joined law practice of his brother. Visited Lincoln while he and Wm. Strong served in congress. Member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society and of First Presbyterian Church,Reading, PA, Franklin Street Soup Kitchen volunteer. Died unexpectedly, aged 29, while on a trip to Philadelphia. Buried Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, PA.
(The portrait attached here is that of Matilda Betham-Edwards, b. 1836 d. 1919, a British novelist. It does NOT depict Matilda Rachel (nee Edwards) Strong of whom no known portraits exist.)
Born 1822, KY, reared in Edwardsville and Alton, IL, Educated at Jacksonville Female Academy. Socialite. Daughter of Illinois Whig legislator, Cyrus Edwards. Cousin of Ninian Edwards--husband of Mary Todd's sister, Elizabeth Todd. Spent winter of 1840-41 at home of cousin in Springfield, IL, attracting the attention of Abraham Lincoln. Became roommate and rival of Mary Todd. Possibly responsible for break in Lincoln and Todd's engagement. Reportedly refused Douglas', Speed's and Lincoln's proposals. Married attorney Newton Deming Strong(1844)--brother of Supreme Court Justice William D. Strong. Moved with husband to Reading, PA, where he joined law practice of his brother. Visited Lincoln while he and Wm. Strong served in congress. Member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society and of First Presbyterian Church,Reading, PA, Franklin Street Soup Kitchen volunteer. Died unexpectedly, aged 29, while on a trip to Philadelphia. Buried Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, PA.
Family Members
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