(15) Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston

 

Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston

Birthdate

05/09/1830

Death date

07/03/1903

President

James Buchanan 

Dates of service

03/04/1857-03/04/1861

Relationship to president

Niece

Other marriages 

Henry Elliot Johnston 

 

Websites 

First Ladies National Library Biography of Harriet Lane

White House History Biography: Harriet Lane

Papers/letters collections

James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers

Manuscripts for: Harriet Lane

Historical sites

Gravesite: Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston

Harriet Lane Clinic

Fascinating details

  • James Buchanan was her maternal uncle and was known for being a lifelong bachelor. 
  • Had full responsibility over all White House decorations and social events.
  • The first woman family member to be named “first lady of the land” in public print.
  • Some sources claim Harriet to be a transitional figure in the role of ‘first lady’ as she had a more substantial role in political and social functions including promoting American art, experimenting with campaigning, and influencing the president.

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