Harriet Lane

Orphaned as a young girl, Harriet Lane's adoring uncle, James Buchanan, was cherished by her. Harriet’s charm, friendliness, and political savvy made her an accomplished White House Hostess. Her popularity and fashion sense were only a few positive aspects of her uncle’s presidency as war loomed and Southern states began secession from the Union. After turning down countless marriage proposals, Harriet eventually married Henry Johnston. Both of her sons tragically died as teenagers from rheumatic fever. Harriet’s response to her grief was founding the Harriet Lane Home in 1912 – now known as the Harriet Lane Clinic — part of the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.