The enchantress of the nation's capital, Julia Gardiner Tyler, captured the heart of the tenth President, John Tyler. After their clandestine engagement and wedding, she gracefully assumed the role of First Lady from 1844 to 1845.
"I lament that my love should be considered a belle," sighed one of Julia Gardiner's countless admirers in 1840. At the young age of 20, she was already renowned as the "Rose of Long Island."
Being the daughter of Juliana McLachlan and David Gardiner, who were descendants of affluent and influential families in New York, Julia had been groomed since early childhood for a life in high society. She made her debut at 15 and later embarked on a European tour with her family, which exposed her to dazzling social splendors. In late 1842, the Gardiners ventured to Washington for the winter social season, where Julia quickly became the undisputed darling of the capital. Her breathtaking beauty and practiced charm captivated the most eminent men in the city, including President Tyler, who had been a widower since September.
Tragedy struck!
During the following winter, when Julia, her sister Margaret, and her father joined a Presidential excursion on the newly built steam frigate Princeton. A devastating explosion of a massive naval gun resulted in the loss of David Gardiner's life. It was during this time of grief that Tyler provided solace to Julia and managed to win her consent to a secret engagement.
He married while in office, Tyler exchanged vows with Julia in New York on June 26, 1844. The announcement of their marriage sparked great interest, extensive media coverage, and some criticism due to their significant age difference of 30 years.
As the young Mrs. Tyler herself remarked, she splendidly reigned as First Lady during the final eight months of her husband's term. Adhering to mourning customs, she would wear white satin or black lace garments and exude vivacity and animation while hosting a series of lively parties. She thoroughly enjoyed her prestigious position and filled it with grace. During receptions, she reintroduced the formality of the Van Buren administration, welcoming guests adorned with plumes in her hair and accompanied by maids of honor dressed in white. It was once said, with undeniable truth, that "Nothing appears to delight the President more than…to hear people sing my praises."
The Tylers'
Happiness remained unshaken as they retired to their home at Sherwood Forest in Virginia. It was there that Julia gave birth to five of their seven children and dutifully managed the plantation until the outbreak of the Civil War. As mistress of the estate, she staunchly defended both states' rights and the institution of slavery. Julia became a steadfast advocate for her husband's political views, with Tyler forever remaining "the President" in her eyes until his passing.
The loss of her beloved husband in 1862 dealt Julia a severe blow. In a heartfelt poem composed for his sixty-second birthday, she had reassured him that "whatever changes time may bring, I'll love thee as thou art!"
Julia Tyler
Despite being a refugee in New York, she continued to dedicate herself to volunteer work for the Confederacy. However, the defeat of the Confederacy left her in dire financial circumstances. It wasn't until 1958 that federal law finally granted automatic pensions to Presidential widows. Nonetheless, Congress demonstrated some leniency in 1870 by awarding a pension to Mary Lincoln, which Julia Tyler used as a precedent when seeking assistance. In December 1880, Congress voted to provide her with $1,200 per year. Furthermore, following President Garfield's assassination, bills were passed to grant uniform amounts of $5,000 annually to Mrs. Garfield, Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Polk, and Mrs. Tyler. Julia spent her last years living comfortably in Richmond before passing away there in 1889. She was laid to rest beside her beloved husband.
Beyond my Door!
This is a short copy of Julia Tyler life! 👍
How do woman dress in the 1800´s ?
Necklines in the 1880s soared high and sleeves were impeccably fitted and snug. Women's fashion during this time period was a true spectacle, with dresses adorned in an array of ornate and lavish details. Ruffles, pleats, and gracefully draping fabrics were fundamental elements in the ensembles of the fashionable ladies. To complement these exquisite dresses, women opted for stylish boots, bonnets, and hats, often embellished with delicate lace and charming ribbons.
Ladies of the Unites States dresses!
Dress of Julia Tyler
The young and vibrant Julia Gardiner Tyler caused a sensation in Washington when she married widower President John Tyler on June 26, 1844. Despite her brief tenure of only eight months as First Lady, she left a lasting impression. Previously, James Sanderson’s anthem “Hail to the Chief” had been played on various occasions to honor American Presidents, but it was Julia Tyler who became the first presidential spouse to request its playing specifically to announce the President’s arrival at official events. This tradition has endured to the present day.
Julia Tyler worked tirelessly to support her husband’s political agenda, particularly in advocating for the annexation of Texas. Utilizing her remarkable charm, she successfully persuaded Members of Congress, a Supreme Court justice, and cabinet members to lend their support to the cause. Following Congress' favorable vote and the President's signing of the resolution, he presented Julia with the golden pen he used, as a tribute to her efforts. With great pride, she affixed the pen to her necklace and subsequently wore it at formal gatherings.
Mrs Julia Tyler´s $10 Coin Pieces!
If you would like to know more about Letitia Tyler just click below!
Letitia Christian was born on a beautiful Tidewater Virginia plantation on November 12, 1790, to Mary and Colonel Robert Christian. Although she didn't have a formal education, Letitia mastered all the skills needed to manage a plantation, oversee enslaved people, raise a family, and run a home that would become John Tyler's sanctuary throughout his bustling political career. They tied the knot on March 29, 1813—his 23rd birthday. From then on, whether he served in Congress or as the governor of Virginia, she diligently attended to domestic responsibilities and preferred to stay out of the limelight. Only once did she join him for the winter social season in Washington. Letitia gave birth to nine children, and fortunately, seven of them thrived into adulthood.
Letitia Tyler had limited influence over her husband's presidency, as she was mainly confined to the living quarters of the White House. Despite playing no public role, she managed to maintain a positive reputation, even amidst her husband's turbulent political situation. Priscilla Cooper Tyler described her as "the epitome of selflessness. Despite her delicate health, she attends to and regulates all household affairs, doing so discreetly that one wouldn't even notice."
However, in 1841, Letitia suffered a paralytic stroke that left her confined to a chair. Despite this setback, Letitia gallantly carried out many of her duties when her husband assumed the presidency following the untimely death of President William Henry Harrison.
Original records on Letitia Tyler's life are scarce, with most mentions of her found in letters exchanged within the Tyler family. Unfortunately, none of Tyler's own letters have been preserved. In recent historical knowledgment, Letitia Tyler has been somewhat overshadowed by her surrogate, Priscilla Cooper Tyler, and her husband's second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler.
Letitia Tyler First Spouse $10 Gold Coin First Lady, 1841–1842
Letitia Tyler was descended from Manx settlers of Virginia and was honored with commemorative postage stamp by the Isle of Man Post Office on May 23, 2006, as part of a series commemorating Manx-Americans. She is also featured on a one-half-ounce gold coin and a bronze medal issued by the United States Mint on July 2, 2009, as part of a collection of commemorative first spouse coins.
Although Letitia Tyler's poor health kept her from fulfilling the traditional social roles of a First Lady, she played a vital role in overseeing the entertaining and household management of the White House. Despite making only one public appearance during her time as First Lady, at her daughter Elizabeth's wedding, she warmly welcomed and engaged with notable visitors such as Charles Dickens and Washington Irving, indulging in lively discussions on current affairs.
Within a serene room on the Second Floor of the White House, Letitia Tyler silently played a pivotal role in family activities. She didn't seek to partake in the social affairs of the administration. Her daughter-in-law, the vibrant Priscilla Cooper Tyler, gracefully assumed the position of White House hostess, effortlessly meeting its demands and relishing in the role..
Priscilla Tyler
Priscilla, daughter of a renowned tragedian, even stepped onto the stage herself at the young age of 17. When she portrayed Desdemona alongside her father's Othello in Richmond, Virginia, she instantly captivated the heart of Robert Tyler, whom she married in 1839. Priscilla received invaluable guidance from the esteemed Dolley Madison and shared dear companionship with her younger sister-in-law, Elizabeth, until Elizabeth wed William N. Waller in 1842. It was on this joyous occasion that Letitia made her sole public appearance at a White House social function.
Tragically, Letitia became the first president's wife to pass away in the White House, succumbing to a stroke on September 10, 1842. Her remains were taken back to Virginia for burial at the plantation where she was born, leaving her family in deep mourning.
Legacy
Letitia Tyler had limited influence on her husband's presidency, as she was confined to the living quarters of the White House. Despite her lack of a public role, she managed to maintain a positive reputation, even during her husband's challenging political situation. Priscilla Cooper Tyler fondly described her as "an incredibly selfless individual. Despite her delicate health, she quietly takes care of all household matters, so seamlessly that you wouldn't even notice."
There are few primary sources available about Tyler's life, with most mentions of her found in letters exchanged among members of the Tyler family. Unfortunately, none of Tyler's own letters have survived. In recent historical time, Letitia Tyler has been overshadowed by her surrogate, Priscilla Cooper Tyler, as well as by her husband's second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler.
As well as the 3rd First Ladies of the United States, Julia Gardiner Tyler, we will learn about her in number 3!
The Dresses of the 1800's!
Dresses of the 1800's
Though there isn't a lot about Letitia Tyler's abode! But here I have some examples of would have been worn!
A small item about Letitia Tyler! 👍
Julia Tyler
If you would like more about Anna Harrison just click below!
