HISTORY: Letitia Tyler

Letitia Tyler

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!