Ida McKinley
Ida, born into a politically radical and affluent family, emerged as the most educated first lady up to her time, marrying William McKinley in 1871. Tragically, both their daughters passed away before reaching five. Afflicted by epilepsy and deep vein thrombosis, Ida faced intermittent perceptions of invalidity from 1876 onwards. Challenging protocol during state dinners, she sat beside McKinley, reportedly taking bromide salts to forestall seizures. Despite low Siena College scores in expected areas (2.87 for leadership, 2.88 for accomplishments, and 2.89 for independence), Ida championed women’s rights, supported the Crittenden House for abused women, and the Red Cross. Following McKinley’s assassination in 1901, Ida, enduring her ailments, outlived him by six years.
Image Credit: McKinney & Block, Canton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons