Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/274

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Women from the Time of Mary Washington
241


tion lasted only one month. His first wife was Letitia Christian, daughter of Robert Christian, of Cedar Grove, Virginia. Mr. Tyler and Miss Christian were married on the 29th of March, 1813. Young Tyler was one of the most prominent rising young lawyers of the state of Virginia. Their lives were spent surrounded by everything that could contribute to their happiness and popularity. Mrs. Tyler, to the day of her death in the executive mansion, was noted for her brilliancy of mind, liberal hospitality, wifely and motherly devotion, and was in all respects a lovely, Christian character. In the various positions occupied by Mr. Tyler Mrs. Tyler was an able helpmeet, and was as well noted for her great beauty of person, grace of carriage, delicate refinement and exquisite taste. During President Tyler's occupation of the White House there were many distinguished visitors, among them Charles Dickens, Washington Irving, and many others, who were charmed by Mrs. Tyler's gracious manners. Her children have been the most enthusiastic eulogists of her lovely character and motherly devotion. She resided in the White House from April, 1841, to September 9, 1842, the date of her death, leaving behind her an imperishable impression as one of the most accomplished women who ever presided in this historic mansion.

JULIA GARDINER TYLER.

President John Tyler married, as his second wife, Miss Julia Gardiner, on the 26th day of June, 1844, at the Church of the Ascension, New York City. Their wedding was the first instance of the marriage of a President during his term of office. Miss Gardiner was the daughter of a wealthy gentleman from Gardiner's Island who had come upon a visit to Washington in the winter of 1843, accompanied by his beautiful daughter. They were invited by Captain Stockton