Abraham Lincoln
Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list, Fanny had many encounters with Abraham Lincoln. He was the 16th President of the United States, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and led America through the Civil War. Fanny’s father was advising and aiding Lincoln throughout this fraught moment in history. The Seward’s house in Washington was right next to the White House, and Lincoln and Seward would often visit each other and were nothing short of best friends.
For this reason, Fanny spent a fair amount of time with the Lincoln family, and she had varying opinions of many of the members. Although she probably didn’t care for Lincoln initially (since he had beaten her father and won the Republican ticket), she loved him after their first in person meeting. She discovered that Lincoln had a soft spot for animals, just like her.
“we went to make a very informal visit to Mr. Lincoln ...he received us very cordially, I liked him very much...Mr. Lincoln showed us the pretty cats, kittens given him by Father Tuesday. They were playing in one of the grand halls. Mr. L. seemed quite fond of them. Says they climb all over him.” Sep 1, 1861