The legend began soon after Lincoln’s death and received a boost when
Ann’s remains were moved to Oakland Cemetery near New Salem, Illinois.
This tombsone was erected bearing an epitaph from the poet Edgar
Lee Masters. After some rhetorical flourishes, including a quote from Lincoln’s
Second Inaugural Address, it reads: “I am Ann Rutledge who sleep
beneath these weeds, Beloved of Abraham Lincoln, Wedded to him, not
through union, But through separation. Bloom forever, O Republic, From
the dust of my bosom! January 7th, 1813.—August 25th, 1835.”