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America’s First Ladies, Part 2

  • Sarah Stook

    • Louisa Adams (née Johnson)- The Foreigner 

    Early Life: Louisa Catherine Johnson was born to Joshua Johnson and Catherine Nuth/Newth in London, England. For reasons unknown, her parents did not marry until she was ten years old and they’d had at least six of their nine children. This illegitimacy did not seem to be too much of a problem. Louisa was initially a Catholic who attended a convent school in France before going to a boarding school and tutor in England. Her education was fairly rigorous and she found herself inspired by a teacher named Miss. Young, an educator who encouraged the best in girls. She had to relearn English after leaving France and unlearn her Catholicism, the latter of which was very hard for her. 

    Marriage: The wealthy Louisa met John Quincy Adams, the son of Vice President John Adams, in 1795. Adams was initially courting Louisa’s sister Anna before he settled on the younger sibling. He sent letters to Louisa, instructing her on what he expected of a wife. The two married in 1797, just after her family fled to the US to escape debtors. They planned to sail to Lisbon for Adams’s next diplomatic assignment but his father, the new President, sent him to Prussia. 

    Pre-Tenure: The marriage between Adams and Louisa was not as loving or harmonious as the one his parents had. The senior Adams tolerated his wife’s strong views and even humoured her, whereas the junior was dismissive of women’s rights and his wife’s intelligence. Louisa was often ill with fainting and fevers among other issues. She was forced into a public role as a diplomat’s wife. Louisa was a successful hostess due to her education and French, but the family was often poor. The family was recalled to America in 1800. The cosmopolitan and egalitarian Louisa took a dislike to America as compared to Europe. In 1808, Adams was sent to Russia as its new minister. He did this without consulting Louisa and also decided his parents would raise their two eldest sons. She would not see them again for eight years. 

    Louisa did not enjoy her time in St. Petersburg. The crossing was difficult as the Napoleonic Wars engulfed Europe. She enjoyed good relations with the Russian royal family and society at large, but also suffered from a lack of funds. Her husband knew of her misery but chose to stay, despite having the option of returning home. One bright spot was the birth of her long-awaited daughter, but the girl died a year later. Adams headed to Belgium in 1812 and left Louisa behind. She enjoyed a happy time without her husband. When they were recalled to England, Louisa and Charles were forced to go on an arduous six week journey. They struggled through icy weather and roaming bandits. Louisa even pretended to be Napoleon’s sister in order to get them to safety.

    After two years in London, the family returned to America. Louisa enjoyed a close relationship with her father-in-law and finally earned the respect of her mother-in-law. Her husband and her grew closer. Louisa was a popular hostess but did follow Elizabeth Monroe’s lead and didn’t call upon other wives. 

    Presidency: Louisa was a loyal supporter of her husband and used her social influence to schmooze the Congressmen who would decide the President in 1824. She charmed war hero Andrew Jackson in an attempt to get his support for her husband. Jackson won the popular vote in 1824 but Adams managed to get the support of the House. 

    Louisa may have wanted her husband to be President but she despised being First Lady. She had few friends and was often ill. Her son George was a drug addict and had an illegitimate child, her son John was thrown out of Harvard, and her son Charles slept with prostitutes. Another nephew ran off with a maid he’d impregnated while a niece flirted with both Charles and George before marrying John. Louisa did delight in entertaining guests with her musical skills and dancing.

    The relationship between husband and wife took a downturn once again. Adams had no interest in his wife’s opinions and ignored her. The two often lived separately as Louisa took solace from her late mother-in-law’s feminist letters. Despite the poor relationship between them, Louisa often defended her husband passionately in the press. 

    Post-Tenure: Despite her hatred of her time as First Lady, Louisa was angered by her husband’s loss in the 1828 rematch with Andrew Jackson. She lost her son Charles only a month after her husband left office. Son John died five years later and Louisa was left to raise his daughters. In the 1840s, Louisa began to take a new active role in politics. She continued her feminism and also focused on abolitionism. Louisa believed that the Bible did not encourage subjugation of women. She corresponded with many women’s groups, including the famous abolitionist feminist Grimke sisters. Louisa was by her husband’s side when he died in 1848. She continued to defend him and his legacy until her death in 1852.

    Advocacy: Women’s rights and anti-slavery 

    Appearance and Character: Louisa was of medium height with brown hair and eyes. She was an educated, cultural woman who was only bested by her mother-in-law in pursuit of equality. Louisa was a gracious and popular hostess who even won over enemies. She lived through hardships and an often unhappy marriage, but remained loyal to her husband. 

    Rachel Jackson (née Donelson, formerly Robards) – The Heart

    Early Life: Rachel Donelson was born to Colonel John and Rachel in Virginia. Her father co-founded the city of Nashville, Tennessee. She had ten siblings and a total of 63 nieces and nephews; the family would dominate Nashville politics for years. The family moved to Tennessee when she was twelve. Rachel did not have a formal education but was trained to be a frontier wife. She was a talented horsewoman and musician. Existing letters prove her to be intelligent but poor spelling and grammar show the lack of education.

    Marriages: Rachel was 18 when she married her first husband, Lewis Robards. For the first three years of their marriage, they lived with Robards’ elderly mother. It was unhappy from the beginning- Robards was a jealous drinker who treated his young wife poorly. They separated in 1790.

    Meanwhile, Rachel soon met Andrew Jackson. Jackson was staying at Rachel’s mothers boarding house. Robards would later say that Rachel cheated on him with Andrew and he’d found them together when he arrived in Nashville. Jackson and Rachel married in 1791, the year after they believed she’d divorce Robard. Two years later they discovered that Robards hadn’t actually filed for divorce. The two had also married in a Spanish-controlled region and their Protestant marriage wasn’t valid there. Robards won a divorce on account of adultery and abandonment in 1793. Jackson and Rachel married properly in 1794.

    Married Life: Jackson and Rachel’s marriage would forever be controversial due to the charges of bigamy. Rachel shied away from the limelight due to this. She mainly stayed at home while Jackson was off fighting. Rachel missed Jackson and resented his long absences. She befriended Elizabeth Monroe when she was in DC but was always happiest at home in the residence that would later become The Hermitage. Rachel often calmed her temperamental husband down and was seen as a soothing influence. She was also very religious and despised alcohol.

    Jackson and Rachel never had children of their own. They adopted her nephew, her great-nephew and a Native-American orphan. Several of her nieces and nephews came under her care as well as the children of friends.

    The marriage was very happy despite the long stretches apart. Rachel brought out the best in her husband and he in turn was devoted to her. Jackson was famously defensive of his beloved wife and fought in more than one duel to defend her honour. 

    Death: Jackson ran again in 1828 after losing to Quincy Adams four years prior. His opponents absolutely dragged Rachel and their marriage through the press. She was called an adulteress whilst his morality was put into question due to their marriage. Whilst efforts were made by pro-Jackson supporters to rally around her, she was often cruelly treated by the press. She sunk into depression during the campaign but after her husband’s win she decided to attend his inauguration. 

    Rachel started to feel ill over December but seemed to start feeling better. She suddenly decided three days before Christmas due to an apparent heart attack. Jackson had to be prised from his wife’s body as he desperately held onto her in hopes she would be revived. 

    Thousands attended her funeral. She was buried in what would have been her inauguration gown. The newspapers who attacked Rachel suddenly mourned her. Jackson was never the same. He blamed the press and his opponents for her death. Jackson never remarried and was buried beside her following his 1845.

    Appearance and Character: Rachel was a short, plump woman who contrasted with her tall and lanky husband. She had brown hair and eyes. Rachel was a shy woman forever hurt by the cruelty thrown her way. She was a loving wife, deeply pious and known for her kindness. Rachel provided a balancing act to her husband. 

    Emily Donelson – The Snubber

    Early Life and Marriage: Emily Donelson was born to John and Mary. She was afforded a formal education and surviving letters show this through her proper grammar. 

    Emily married at the young age of 17 to her cousin Andrew Jackson Jr. They had a mutual paternal aunt in Rachel Donelson and has known each other since Emily was born. Jackson Jr had been adopted by Jackson Sr and Rachel. Emily first arrived in DC in 1824 and became a celebrated part of the social scene, attending parties hosted by Elizabeth Monroe and Louisa Adams.

    Hostess and After: In 1828, Jackson was elected. It was believed that Emily was due to join Rachel in the White House hosting duties anyway but Rachel’s death made her the sole hostess. Emily wore a splendid amber dress at the inauguration but had to limit her social activities due to the mourning period. 

    Unfortunately, all was not well. Cabinet Secretary John Eaton had married a young widow Peggy O’Neill in 1829. This was considered scandalous as Peggy had not waited until the proper mourning period. It was also rumoured the two had been having an affair while Peggy was still married and that her late husband had killed himself out of despair. The society and Cabinet ladies, led by Second Lady Floride Calhoun, refused to call on Peggy. This became the so-called ‘Petticoat Affair.’ 

    President Jackson sided with the Eatons due to the mistreatment of Rachel. Emily sided with the society matrons and thus tension flared. A few years precious, a pregnant Emily was about to faint from the heat. Peggy offered perfume and a fan but Emily chose to faint instead. She was cordial to Peggy but when Peggy refused to attend events, she cited Emily’s treatment. Jackson had enough and told Emily to leave. 

    Interestingly, a supporter of Jackson and Eaton asked Emily why she defended her Aunt Rachel but not Peggy. Emily replied that her aunt had been an honourable lady wronged by society and that Peggy was not.

    Emily returned home to her residence across from The Hermitage. She died two years later of tuberculosis at only 29.

    Appearance and Character: Surviving portraits of Emily show a tall, slim brunette. We know little of Emily’s personality, but she seemed quite callous and cruel towards Peggy Eaton. 

    Sarah Jackson (née Yorke) – The Back-Up

    Early Life and Marriage: Sarah Yorke was born to Peter and Mary. The family was extremely wealthy but Sarah lost her parents before her eighteenth birthday. Little is known about her life before she married Andrew Jackson Jr in 1831.

    Jackson Jr and Sarah immediately headed to the White House after their wedding. The President greeted them both warmly and Sarah would become very close to her father-in-law. The couple stayed in the White House until 1832 after which they took control of The Hermitage. She was seen as the hostess at home while Emily was the one at the White House. 

    Hostess and After: After The Hermitage suffered from a fire, the family headed to The White House. This coincided with Emily Jackson’s fall from grace and left Sarah as the hostess. The two worked in conjunction on several occasions though Emily was clearly second place now. She took over fully once Emily died. Sarah divided her time between the White House, The Hermitage, Philadelphia and Virginia. When Jackson left office, Sarah helped organise, pack and ship his things. 

    Sarah remained at The Hermitage along with her family, including the children born after her tenure. Her widowed sister and her three sons also joined them. The former President’s death in 1845 saw debt accumulate and the sale of The Hermitage. Sarah lived in near poverty due to this and her husband’s bad business skills. She lost her son and husband within the space of two years. Sarah died of old age. She’s buried at The Hermitage. 

    Appearance and Character: Sarah was a pale woman with fake hair. She was devoted to her family and their ancestral home. 

    Hannah Van Buren (née Hoes)- The Forgotten 

    Early Life and Marriage: Hannah Hoes was born to Johannes and Maria. Almost nothing is known about her life before her marriage beyond the fact she was educated at the local school and that Dutch was her first language.

    She married childhood sweetheart Martin Van Buren in 1807. From what we know about them it can be inferred that the marriage was relatively happy. Hannah was deeply religious and involved in charitable activities. The couple had six children though one daughter was a stillborn at an unknown date. 

    Death: Hannah came down with TB in Albany. She was rapidly weakened and was barely able to leave her bed. Hannah was once again pregnant in 1816/17 and was further weakened. She died in 1819. Van Buren never spoke of her again or even mentioned her in his long autobiography. Even his own children didn’t know her name, as evidenced when son John asked whether it was Hannah or Anna so he could name his daughter after her. Van Buren never remarried so once can assume he deeply loved her. 

    Appearance and Character: Hannah was a blonde with blue eyes. She was a shy woman, known for her kindness and charity. As she lay dying, Hannah requested her money go to the poor of Albany. One family friend described her as sweet and unpretentious but not particularly intellectual. 

    Advocacy: The poor 

    Sarah Angelica Van Buren (née Singleton) – The Queen

    Early Life and Marriage: Angelica Singleton was born to Richard and Rebecca. Her mother had many prominent relatives and her father was extremely wealthy. Angelica was educated very well in both rigorous academics and social sciences. She was educated alongside members of the Washington, Monroe and Davis families. Angelica was extremely popular and found herself comfortable associating with Jews and Catholics, two groups who were often excluded from society. She arrived in DC in 1837 and became immediately popular.

    Angelina’s mother’s cousin Dolley Madison brought her to a dinner with President Van Buren’s bachelor sons. Angelica thought highly of them all but became closest to Abraham. They married a few months later.

    Hostess and After: Angelica took on the role of hostess and was an immediate success due to her charm, beauty and social graces. She and her husband took an extended honeymoon to Europe. Angelica was received by Queen Victoria and was thrilled to be highly praised by her. She also enjoyed her time in the ballrooms of Paris. Upon returning, Angelica became more pretentious. She sat upon a throne away from other guests and expected to be greeted like royalty. This was soon removed once American guests started grumbling. At the end of her father-in-law’s presidency, the family found themselves condemned for their monarchical ways. 

    Once the family was out of the White House, Angelica became hostess at the new residence of Lindenwald, New York. Her teenage niece Mary entered the household and the two were close. Angelica took another tour of Europe in 1854-1855 and returned with renewed interest in social reform. She also took in her sister Marion after Marion fled her extremely abusive husband. During the Civil War, Angelica seemed lukewarm at best in her support of her native South. She was embittered by the treatment of her sister and slavery. 

    Angelica lost her father-in-law in 1863, husband in 1873 and niece Mary in 1874. By the time of her death in 1878, she’d outlived most of her family. 

    Appearance and Character: Angelica was a known beauty with dark curls. She was a marvellous social hostess in the vein of Dolley Madison and was extremely cultured. Her snobbery did seem to fade away when she realised that her actions were unpopular. Angelica did seem to care about others -she did not particularly like slavery and was also angered at the treatment of her sister Marion. 

    Advocacy: Social reform. 

    Anna Harrison (née Symmes) – The Widow

    Early Life: Anna was born to John and Anna. John Symmes was a member of the Continental Congress, fighter in the American Revolution and Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Her mother died when she was just over a year old. John Symmes attempted to look after his child but his commitments made it difficult. He dressed as a British soldier to take Anna across enemy lines to her grandparent’s house. Anna was raised by her grandparents and given a thorough education through formal schooling.

    Marriage: Anna met General William Henry Harrison when she was in Kentucky. Her father disapproved of Harrison as he did not think he was successful enough and believed his daughter deserved better than being a military wife. Harrison and Anna had to elope as they could not get John Symmes’ approval.

    Pre-Tenure: Harrison and Anna had ten children together; Anna was predeceased by all but one. She was a military wife who often had to move from place to place. Even with staff, Anna had to take care of the growing brood by herself when her husband was away. She educated her children herself thoroughly. Anna was also in charge of the household management but admittedly struggled in that aspect. 

    The Harrison home also functioned as a military headquarters so Anna hosted soldiers. She was no stranger to Native Americans due to her husband’s numerous treaties with them. They were still a threat to her so Anna eventually moved the children back to Ohio. After they inherited her father’s lands Anna and the children stayed there whilst Harrison travelled for work. 

    Anna took an active role at her local church and would often invite her congregation for lunch after the Sunday service. Her husband was forbidden from conducting business on a Sunday. She was interested in politics and was up to date on current events. 

    Anna was not thrilled about her husband running for office and wished that he’d stayed retired. Still, she helped him run his front porch campaign. Anna was too ill to join the family in DC initially and it’s quite possible she was severely depressed due to the recent death of two of her sons. 

    Tenure: Anna was in Ohio for the entirety of her husband’s month-long presidency. She was packing for the move when news came of her husband’s death.

    Post-Tenure: Anna was the first Presidential widow to receive a pension and benefited from free postage. She selected a burial place in Ohio for her husband and his body was moved there after construction was completed. Anna lost seven of her children within eight years and even saw the loss of grandchildren. 

    She very much enjoyed visitors and kept up heavy correspondence with admirers. Anna kept one room in her house as a quasi-museum about her husband. She enjoyed needlework and hosting dinner guests. Anna kept abreast of the political world and remained mentally sharp even in her old years. Everything she owned was lost in an 1858 fire and only escaped with the clothes on her back. Nobody was harmed.

    Anna died in 1864. She was buried with her husband.

    Appearance and Character: Anna was slender with a delicate figure and dark eyes. She was short and had brown hair. Anna had genteel manners and a steely nature. She was a tough frontier wife and mother who never complained about her lot. Anna was also very politically minded and devoured the news. 

    Advocacy: Church charity 

    Jane Harrison (née Irwin, later Whiteman) – The Short Stop

    Early Life and Marriage: Jane Irwin was born to Archibald and Mary. Practically nothing is known about her life prior to her marriage. Jane was visiting her sister and brother-in-law in Ohio when she met William Henry Harrison Jr. The two soon wed.

    Junior was a struggling lawyer and alcoholic. Little is known about their marriage but they had two sons. Harrison Jr died in 1838.

    Hosting and After: Jane stepped in for her mother-in-law for what was to be a temporary time. As she was only First Lady for a month, Jane did nothing of note. She had spent time in DC years before.

    Jane remarried a year after leaving the White House. She died two years later.

    Appearance and Character: Surviving images show a dark haired woman. Nothing is known of her personality.

    Letitia Tyler (née Christian) – The Ill Lady

    Early Life: Letitia Christian was born to Robert and Mary. There is scant evidence of her early life so one can assume she played the typical role of a wealthy politician’s daughter. 

    Marriage: Letitia met lawyer John Tyler in 1808. The conservative and restrained nature of both meant that there was a five year engagement. Their first kiss was only three weeks before the wedding and that was on Letitia’s hand. Letitia’s parents died just after the wedding and that inheritance helped Tyler’s political career.

    Pre-Tenure: Little is known about the Tyler marriage but it seems to have been quite a happy one. The pair did encounter financial difficulties and it usually fell on Letitia’s shoulders as she did the household management. Letitia insisted that female slaves should not do anything outside. She was so devoutly Episcopalian that she refused to allow her daughters to attend the most popular girls’ school as it had Catholic influences. Letitia suffered a stroke in 1839 that made her deeply unwell. 

    Tenure and Death: Letitia was at home when news arrived of Harrison’s death and her husband’s ascendency to the presidency. Her stroke made her an invalid, so Letitia usually directed the social scene from her bed. Letitia invited special guests to visit her and also encouraged giving money to the poor. 

    She only made a few appearances outside of her room. In 1842, Letitia suffered from another stroke. This was even more debilitating than her first and left her extremely weak. She succumbed to the effects of the stroke at the age of only 51.

    Appearance and Character: Letitia was a petite woman who was often made frail by illness. She had dark hair and dark brown eyes. Letitia was described as prudent, conservative, level-headed and of good judgement. She was unselfish and never complained. 

    Advocacy: The poor 

    Elizabeth Priscilla Tyler (née Cooper) – The Actress

    Early Life and Marriage: Priscilla Cooper was born to Thomas and Mary. Her father was a hugely successful actor and producer which allowed the family to live in comfort. Her mother was a close friend of writer Washington Irving and was even the basis of one of his later characters. Priscilla became an actress herself at seventeen-such a profession was fairly scandalous. The Panic of 1837 reversed the family’s fortunes and they were left destitute. Priscilla had to live in an old cottage and survive on strawberries and radishes.

    Priscilla was starring in a Shakespeare play when she impressed a young man named Robert Tyler. Tyler came backstage after the play to meet her. The two were of very different social classes- he was the eldest son of a rich planter whilst she was a poor actress. It didn’t matter to Tyler and the pair soon wed. Priscilla was immediately treated with kindness by her mother-in-law Letitia. 

    Hostess and After: Priscilla took over most of the hosting due to her mother-in-law’s ill health and was sole hostess between Letitia’s death and the President’s remarriage. She seemed to be an amiable hostess and had a good relationship with the Tyler family at large. Priscilla’s sister-in-law Letty took over for a small period after she left.

    Robert and Priscilla moved to Philadelphia in 1844. The two were loyal to the Confederacy throughout the Civil War and moved to Richmond upon its outbreak. Robert died in 1877 and Priscilla followed two years later. 

    Julia Tyler (née Gardiner) – The Notorious 

    Early Life: Julia Gardiner was born to David and Juliana. The family was relatively affluent and David would later become a New York State Senator. Juliana was one of the richest women of her time due to inheritance. Julia was educated at a finishing school for girls but may have been privately tutored beforehand. She courted scandal in 1839 when she was the model for a newspaper advert. The advert was for a department store and though she was unnamed, her identity was alluded to. This was extremely scandalous as a young, unmarried lady should not be publicly in such a manner. Julia was sent to DC then to Europe until the scandal died down.  

    Marriage: Julia became a popular fixture in the social scene upon returning to DC. Future President Millard Fillmore flirted with her despite being a married man. Julia became friends with the Tyler sons and that is when she caught the eye of the recently widowed President. Tyler had only been widowed for five months but immediately pursued Julia. Julia was rescintent at best- Tyler was a very stuffy, boring man several decades her senior. 

    This changed after a major tragedy. DC society went out on the USS Princeton, a new navy ship. Those on board included the top flight of government, the Gardiner family and Dolley Madison. One of the cannons misfired and killed six people including the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Navy. Another person killed was Julia’s father. She was devastated and was comforted by the President. Julia finally agreed to marry Tyler. The wedding was spectacular.

    Tenure: Julia was only First Lady for eight months. She was the first to seek out publicity through positive press for her receptions. Julia also allowed an engraving of her to go out and for her to be photographed in the White House. Her name was printed on sheet music and she publically danced in the White House- a first for any First Lady. Her coach was pulled by matching white Arabian horses which were closed. Her dog was a breed that was rare at the time.

    As her husband was not seeking another term, Julia decided to make the most of her time as First Lady. She enjoyed handing out champagne at swanky parties. Julia would be seated along with young women in white when receiving guests and also made it harder for her husband to be spoken to. When not at parties, she used her influence to gain favour for her friends and family. 

    The Grand Finale Ball saw three thousand guests descend upon the White House. 

    Post-Tenure: The couple moved to Virginia and had seven children over the next fourteen years. Julia was accepted by her stepsons and younger stepdaughters but not the older ones. 

    In 1853, Julia responded to an article by a group of British aristocrats including the Duchess of Sutherland in which they begged southern American women to stop slavery. Julia set out a detailed letter about the ‘kind’ treatment of slaves and how there was a growing number of freedmen in Virginia. She continued to travel widely and immediately supported the Confederacy at the outbreak of civil war. 

    President Tyler died in 1862 and is the only president to have been buried under a foreign flag (Confederate). Julia’s status allowed her a fair amount of freedom when moving between states. She temporarily moved to Bermuda before returning to New York. In 1872, Julia returned to DC and became a popular guest at social occasions. She moved once again in 1876 due to financial hardships, back to Virginia this time. Her brother had sued her for their inheritance in 1865, claiming that she’d tricked their mother into giving her the most money. He won.

    Julia converted to Catholicism in 1872 along with her daughter Margaret ‘Pearl.’ She lobbied for a pension and after Mary Lincoln received one, Julia fought harder but only received half. After President Garfield’s death, all living Presidential widows received an annual pension of $5,000. Julia anonymously pushed for that to be increased to $10,000. 

    Julia died in 1889. She happened to die in the Exchange Hotel, Richmond, the same place as her husband had.

    Appearance and Character: Julia was a petite woman of no more than five feet and three inches tall. Her eyes were grey and her hair was brown. She was known as ‘The Rose of Long Island,’ signifying her beauty. As a person, Julia was quite the publicity seeker who seemingly thought highly of herself and her station. Julia was fairly pampered due to her upbringing. She did show love for her family, especially her father. 

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