|
|
Elizabeth "Bess" Virginia Wallace Truman
|
|
|
|
Birthdate
|
02/13/1885
|
|
Death date
|
10/18/1982
|
|
President
|
Harry Truman
|
|
Dates of service
|
04/12/1945-01/20/1953
|
|
Relationship to president
|
Spouse
|
|
Other marriages
|
N/A
|
|
|
Websites
|
National First Ladies Library Biography of Bess Truman
The White House Historical Association: Elizabeth Truman
|
|
Papers/letters collections
|
Truman, Bess W. Papers
Bess Truman Collection
|
|
Historical sites
|
Bess Truman Gravesite
|
|
Fascinating details
|
- Before Harry Truman assumed the Office of the President, Bess was on Senate payroll for serving as a clerk in Harry's office during his time as senator.
- During his presidency, Bess answered hundreds of letters a day and accompanied Harry to ceremonial appearances.
- Bess Truman largely avoided the public eye because of her fear of public judgement.
- Although she rarely issued public statements, it is well documented that President Truman highly valued Bess’ opinions and would routinely discuss politics with her.
- At the time of her death, Bess Truman was the oldest living ex first lady at 97 years old.
|
Return to First Lady Main Page.
