Among the social belles of Springfield was Mary Todd, a handsome and
cultivated girl of the illustrious descent which could be traced back to
the sixth century, to whom Mr. Lincoln was married in 1842. Stephen A.
Douglas was his competitor in love as well as in politics. He courted
Mary Todd until it became evident that she preferred Mr. Lincoln.
Previous to his marriage Mr. Lincoln had two love affairs, one of them
so serious that it left an impression upon his whole future life. One
of the objects of his affection was Miss Mary Owen, of Green county,
Kentucky, who decided that Mr. Lincoln “was deficient in those little
links which make up the chain of woman’s happiness.” The affair ended
without any damage to Mr. Lincoln’s heart or the heart of the lady.