In January 2021, a photograph of former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln garnered newfound attention. The picture appeared to show Abraham Lincoln's ghost situated behind her.that spanned 40 pages. The headline read:"When This Photo of Lincoln’s Wife Was Developed, An Eerie Figure Could be Seen Looming Behind Her." The story was advertised:"We Got Chills When We Realized Who Was in the Background.
One part of the long story made a specific claim about Mary Todd Lincoln. It said she"was actually a firm believer in the paranormal by the time she tied the knot with Abraham in 1842." McWhirter told us this claim lacked evidence: McWhirter also told us that"there isn't a consensus" regarding how Mumler produced his mysterious photographs. That included the picture that purportedly showed Abraham Lincoln's ghost. However, he directed us to someone whose research delved deeply into the matter: author Peter Manseau.titled:"The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln's Ghost." We asked him about the reality of Mumler's work.
"Mumler printed copies and sold them so it was known immediately, but then it seems it was forgotten," Manseau said."With everything related to Mumler it must be remembered it was a commercial venture. He wrote letters to newspapers about it and would’ve wanted to sell as many as he could."with a letter Mumler wrote to The Boston Herald.
This is one of those claims so manifestly absurd from the start it does not merit the legitimacy lent to it by a discussion.
Spoilers: It was his brother’s ghost.