Letitia Tyler
Letitia, the inaugural wife of the 10th U.S. president, scores modestly in the Siena College study, largely attributed to her brief tenure as the first lady. Serving for only a few months at the commencement of John Tyler’s term, Letitia, affectionately known as Lizzie, had already weathered a significant stroke before her husband assumed the presidency following William Henry Harrison’s death in 1841. C-SPAN scholars highlight Lizzie’s determination as she managed eight children and household affairs despite her physical challenges. Described as naturally reserved and a homebody, Letitia, even without physical frailty, might not have embraced the grand hostess role expected of first ladies at the time. Unfortunately, she suffered another stroke in 1842 and became the first lady to pass away in the White House in September of that year.
Image Credit: Unknown author derivative work: Jim Evans, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons