While snooping around and finding tidbits about American President’s, I uncovered these interesting facts about American First Ladies.

 

Dolley Madison

Aaron Burr introduced Dolley to her future husband, James Madison. Since Madison was not a Quaker, she was expelled from the Society of Friends for marrying outside her faith. Dolley was the first president’s wife to attend his inauguration and to be given an honorary seat on the floor of Congress.

 

Sarah Polk

James Polk’s wife worked as his secretary without taking a salary.  While living in the White House, she banned dancing, card games and hard liquor at official receptions.  Since attending White House functions were a sober affair, she earned the nickname “Sahara Sarah.”

 

Mary Todd Lincoln

Before marrying Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd was courted by Stephen Douglas, Lincoln’s great political rival. Mary was only 5’ 2” and Lincoln towered over her at 6’4”.  She was the first president’s wife to hold seances in the White House.

 

 

Edith Wilson

In 1919, when President Wilson had a severe stroke, Edith controlled who had access to her husband.  This lead Senator Albert Fall to declare she was the head of the “Petticoat Government.”

 

Louise Hoover

Louise (Lou) Hoover was the first woman in the United States to graduate from college with a degree in geology.  She also spoke five languages fluently including Chinese. President Hoover also spoke Chinese and when the couple did not want others to know what they were saying, they spoke Chinese.