Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-08-03

fortnightly men alone were hidden, and
when the President received he stood well
out in the middle of the room, while the
women of his household stood modestly in
the background.
1t was owing to the semi-invalidism of
President Tyler's wife that the duties of
first lady of the land devolved upon Mrs
Semple, and none was better fitted to ful-
fill them than the gifted and beautiful
daughter of President and Mrs. Tyler, who
was for a time virtually the mistress of the
Executive Mansion, one of the fairest and
nCblest 1t has ever known.
Mrs Semple was a young matron then.
Mr.. Semple, who was paymaster in the
United States navy, was absent much of
the time. Mrs. Robert Tyler a men,
Der of the presidential household, but was
occupied with her young family, and Miss
Elizabeth Tyler. who afterward married
Mr.. Waller, was then but young girl.
Many are the interesting "reminiscences
which Mrs. Semple can relate of the life
Though it was quite simple, still there was
certain dignified ceremonousness attach
ed to it. The early breakfast, midday din
ner, afternoon drive, and + o'clock tea
made up the daily routine.
The women wore low-necked gowns, short
wasted, and with scanty, clinging skirts,
too short to conceal their dainty, high
heeled slippers. The hair was worn parted
smoothly on the forehead, and a cluster Of
little curls almost hid the ears. Pretty
faces and bright eyes were enhanced by
the gay flowers and ribbons heaped in pro-
fusion on enormous Leghorn bonnets, ex-
tending far over the face, and cushions Of
hair or eiderdown held the huge leg Of
mutton sleeves in shape.
The men were resplendent in buff waist
coats. green coats. frilled shirt fronts, and
collars SO high that they half concealed the
cheeks, and made the turning of the head
a difficult task.
1t was during Tyler's administration that
dancing was introduced at the White
n tor
and wit the functions at the Executive
Mansion lost some Of their prim stiffness.
Mrs. Semple was her fathers constant
companion, and her ambition was to be as
good rather than as clever as her father.
For all that her reign at the White House
was one of intellect as well as beauty.
This intellect yet shows in the noble brow
and strong features, so strikingly like John
Tyler and beauty still belongs to the &C.
togenarian. as it did to the young girl and
to the matron. The once brown curls,
though snowy white now, are scarcely less
glossy than of yore, and none would dream
that the large, lustrous dark eyes are sight
less.
Another of President Tylers daughters
is still living. Mrs. Margaret Cor PearD
Ellis of Mecklenburg, Va, the only sur
vivng daughter of his second marriage to
Miss Julia Gardiner
Mrs. Elizabeth cambridge Betty Taylor,
daughter of President Taylor, lived in Win
chester, Va, and has just passed away.
Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris lives in Wash
ington. as does Mrs. Stanley Brown, who
was Mollie Garfield.
A few years ago Miss Fanny Hayes,
daughter Of President Hayes. was mar
ried at Fremont, Ohio, to Ensign Harry
Eaton Smith.
Ellen Herndon Arthur resides in New
York Mrs. Mary Harrison Mckee has her
home at Saratoga Springs. Ruth. Esther
and Marion Cleveland and the little four
year-old girl of the late President Harri-
son, represent the daughters of the ex-
Presidents of the United States