Letitia Tyler (1790-1842) was an American first lady (1841-1842) and the first wife of John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States. Two years before her husband assumed the presidency, Letitia suffered a debilitating stroke. As a result, she spent her entire tenure as first lady in a semi-invalid state, attending only one public function. She passed away in September 1842, the first first lady to die in the White House. Two years later, her widowed husband married the young socialite Julia Gardiner.
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This Day in History
May 24
Presidential
Thomas Jefferson inquires about a former flame, 1797
On this day in 1797, future President Thomas Jefferson writes to his friend Angelica Church, inquiring casually about their mutual friend, Maria Cosway, a…
Did You Know?
Although first lady Letitia Tyler was confined to her private quarters due to the effects of a stroke, she was still able to welcome distinguished guests to the White House, including authors Washington Irving and Charles Dickens.
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