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Lucretia Rudolph-GarfieldFirst Lady of the USA
Date of Birth: 19.04.1832
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Lucretia Rudolph-Garfield
- Marriage and Family
- Life as the First Lady
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of Lucretia Rudolph-Garfield
Early Life and EducationLucretia Rudolph-Garfield was born in Hiram, Ohio, to Zeb Rudolph and Arabella Mason-Rudolph. Her father was a farmer and the founder of Hiram Eclectic Institute. Lucretia had a diverse heritage, with German, Welsh, English, and Irish ancestry. She met James Garfield in 1849 while they were studying at the seminary in Chester, Ohio, and later at Hiram Eclectic Institute. Their intellectual connection and shared love for knowledge attracted Garfield to Lucretia.
Marriage and Family
Lucretia and James initially planned to get married in 1856 but decided to postpone their wedding to focus on earning money. They eventually got married on November 11, 1858, in the bride's parents' home. Despite being Christians, the ceremony was officiated by Presbyterian minister Henry Hitchcock. They skipped their honeymoon and immediately started building their new home.
Life as the First Lady
During James Garfield's military service in the Union Army from 1861 to 1863, he had to be separated from Lucretia. However, they were able to reunite after he entered the House of Representatives. They enjoyed a happy life together in both the capital and Mentor, Ohio, where they shared common interests, attended literary society meetings, and traveled.
In 1881, James Garfield became the President of the United States, and Lucretia assumed the role of First Lady. Although she didn't particularly enjoy the title, she fulfilled her duties conscientiously. Lucretia hosted interesting receptions twice a week, and at the age of 49, she retained her charm. As the First Lady, she also studied the history of the White House furniture and sought ways to restore its original beauty. Unfortunately, her project was interrupted by malaria.
Later Life and Legacy
On July 2, 1881, while Lucretia was recuperating at a resort in New Jersey, her husband was shot by Charles Guiteau, disrupting their plans to reunite. Lucretia rushed to Washington and remained by Garfield's side throughout his three-month battle for life. Unfortunately, James Garfield passed away.
After her husband's funeral, Lucretia returned to their family farm in northern Ohio. For the next 36 years, she led a relatively private but busy life. She actively preserved records of her husband's accomplishments. Lucretia Rudolph-Garfield passed away on March 14, 1918, at her home in South Pasadena, California.
