The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1873-05-14
The Wives ofPrsidenf-.

Mrs. Washington, upon whome fell
the honor first, occupied the enyied
place for eight years, and her history
is probably better known than any of
her successors. Biographies and
historians, stimulated with desire
to secure her memory from the dust Of
wears, have been interchangeable in
their labors, and she is perhaps more
highly vcnerated than any Of the
many wopen who have succeeded
her.
To Mrs. Adams properly belongs
the highest place of honor in the
American heart, because her position
was more difficult, her duties more
arduous, and because she was stronger
mentally and more thoroughly disei-
plined than any who have succeeded
her. She became the occupant Of a
place held TO be most sacred because
Of its newness and the exalted char
acter Of both Washington and his
wife. To succeed the former was
difficult task for her husband to per-
form to occupy Mrs. Washington's
place was an impOssibility. But
Mrs Adams was gifted with great
strength and courage, with rare pow
er of mind and heart. and vas the
best type of American women Of that
class whose life-history has been han
ded down 20 Us.
Mrs. jefferson had been dead nine
teen wears before her husband became
Presiden' Vi the United States bat
for tie occasional visits Of his two
married daughters and the frequent
presence of Mrs. Madison, at the
white house, during the eight years
Of Thomas Jeiferson's stay, he would
have been enrierly without a social
history
James Madison's wife was the
most popular woman Of her day, and
had it not been for the unfortunate
war of 1912 and the condition Of the
country both before and after the IN
fortunate event. her administration
a. a lady Of the white house would
have been the most briIlian. Of any
record in the annals Of the social
history Of our country.
Mrs. Monroe was timid, delicate
woman, untitled by nature and hab-
it for the place she held, and at the
expiration Of her husbands term Of
Office, gladly retired with him to
their Virginia home, where, in 1880,
she died.
Mrs. John Quincy Adams was
MARYLAND woman, who had been ed
ucated in England, aud who filed
her semi-efieial station with dignity
and honor
Mrs. jackson died before her hus-
band succeeded to the Presidency.
Mrs. Van Buren had been dead
seventeen wears when her husband
was elected Chic. Magistrate. and
her daughter-in-law, lady Of great
refinement. was mistress Of the " hite
IIOu-t tAiii tl4f ttt Li-
Mrs. Harrison was preparing 10
leave her western home when the
news of her husbands death reached
her
Mr.. Tyler, who filed out his un-
expired term. lost his wife during his
stay at the White House, and subSe-
quently married Miss Gardner. Of the
New York, eight months before close
of his administration.
Mrs. James 4 Polk, of Teunesse,
was the second Southern Lady who,
as the wife of the President. l:ved in
the Executive mansion for the full
term
Mr.. TAYLOR hartily disliked the fore
mality of Washington society, and re-
tired to her Louisiana home immedi-
ately after her husbands death
Mr.. Fillmore who served out Gen
eral Taylor's term, had a noble wife,
and she and her daughter are remem-
bered as two of the most cultivated,
refined and attractive ladies ever in
the White House
Mrs. Pierce was ALWAYS an inya-
lid, and after the death Of her only
child. a promising boy, her health
gave way entierly, and her position
as hostess was a most undesirable
one to her.
Miss Harriet Lane made her
uncle's administration famous for its
social attraction. She was one Of the
most beautiful of women, as well as
one of the truest and kindest of ME-
ces, and Mr.. Buchanan was particu-
larry fortunate in his social relations
though be lived and died a bachelor
Mrs. Lincoln's career was checker
ed from the first. and the awful trag-
edy that closed her life in the White
House secured for her the sympathy
of the people.
Mrs. Patterson was mistress Of the
White House during President John
sons administration, her mother be-
ing a confirmed invalid The family
greatly endeared themselves TO the
people by their simplicity and unassu-
ming manners
Mrs. Grant, the present occupant Of
the White House, leads quiet, re-
tired life, seems inclined to avoid all
publicity. and spends most of her
time in the society other children and
intimate relations.