Matilda Rachel Strong

Matilda Rachel Strong (Edwards)

Find A Grave Memorial ID # 31477950

Born 1822, Kentucky, reared in Edwardsville and Alton, Illinois, Educated at Jacksonville Female Academy.

Socialite. Daughter of Illinois Whig legislator, Cyrus Edwards. Cousin of Illinois Governor Ninian Edwards, the husband of Mary Todd's sister, Elizabeth Todd. Spent winter of 1840-41 at the home of her cousin in Springfield, Illinois, attracting the attention of Abraham Lincoln.

Became roommate and rival of Mary Todd. Possibly responsible for the break in Lincoln and Todd's engagement. Reportedly refused Douglas', Speed's and Lincoln's marriage proposals.

Married attorney Newton Deming Strong (1844), the brother of U.S. Supreme Court Justice William D. Strong.

Moved with her husband to Reading, Pennsylvania, where he joined law practice of his brother Justice Strong.

Visited Lincoln while he and William Strong served in the U.S. Congress.

Member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society and of First Presbyterian Church, Reading, Pennsylvania; Franklin Street Soup Kitchen volunteer.

Died unexpectedly, at aged 29, while on a trip to Philadelphia.

Buried Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Pennsylvania.