Letitia Tyler

Married life was bustling for Letitia, and she spent the early years supervising the large Tyler plantation and raising seven children. Her busy life ended abruptly in 1839 when she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed and needing a “rolling chair” for mobility. When John Tyler unexpectedly became president after William Henry Harrison’s death, she gamely accompanied him to the White House. She spent the next ten months confined to the private quarters on the second floor, appearing only in the East Room to attend her daughter Elizabeth’s wedding. Letitia suffered a devastating stroke shortly afterward, gaining the distinction of becoming the first First Lady to die in the White House.

Born: 12 November 1790, Cedar Grove Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia

Died: 10 September 1842, The White House, Washington, D.C.

Early Life and Family Background

Letitia Christian Tyler was born on 12 November 1790 at Cedar Grove Plantation in New Kent County, Virginia. Her father, Robert Christian, was a prominent planter and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He was also a candidate for Federalist Party presidential elector. Born on 5 May 1760, he passed away in 1814. Her mother, Mary Eaton Browne Christian, was born in 1764 in James City County, Virginia, and married Robert Christian on 2 March 1784. She died a year after her husband’s passing, in 1815.

Letitia’s ancestry was a mix of English and French. Her paternal great-great-grandfathers, Thomas Christian and Gideon Macon, immigrated to the American colonies from the Isle of Man and Saone, France, respectively. Letitia had a large family with three brothers and three sisters: William A. Christian, John Beverly Christian, Dr. Oliver Christian, Elizabeth Christian Douglas, Alice Christian, and Anna “Jeanetta” Christian Savage. Some sources claim she was the seventh of twelve children, but details about her other siblings are scarce.

Education and Early Life

Little documentation exists regarding Letitia Tyler’s early life and education. Considering her family’s wealth and social status, it is likely that she was raised in a manner typical of wealthy southern plantation life. This would have included activities such as sewing, embroidery, overseeing the work of enslaved household servants, entertaining guests, daily prayers and Bible readings, attending seasonal balls and receptions, and acquiring some skill in playing the piano and singing. Her father’s political involvement and the family’s proximity to Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, and Williamsburg likely influenced her upbringing.

Marriage to John Tyler

Letitia Christian married John Tyler on 29 March 1813, a day after his 23rd birthday. The wedding took place at her father’s home, Cedar Grove Plantation, after a five-year engagement. John Tyler, a lawyer and member of the Virginia House of Delegates, met Letitia at a private party on a nearby plantation. Their marriage was marked by love but was somewhat restrained due to Letitia’s conservative and undemonstrative nature. Shortly after their wedding, Letitia’s parents passed away, leaving her a substantial inheritance that provided financial stability and allowed John to pursue a career in public service. He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1817, just three years into their marriage, and served until 1821. The Tylers moved several times, living in increasingly larger homes, including Mons-Sacer, Woodburn, and eventually Greenway, John Tyler’s childhood home.

Family Life

Letitia and John Tyler had seven children: Mary Tyler Jones (1815-1847), Robert Tyler (1816-1877), John Tyler Jr. (1819-1896), Letitia Christian Tyler Semple (1821-1907), Elizabeth Tyler Waller (1823-1850), Alice Tyler Denison (1827-1854), and Tazewell Tyler (1830-1874). Letitia devoted herself to raising their children and managing their household, a role that involved overseeing the enslaved. Although there is no record of her views on slavery, it appears she accepted it as part of plantation life. However, she insisted that enslaved women not be required to do outdoor work.

Supporting Her Husband’s Career

Throughout John Tyler’s political career, Letitia Tyler remained at home, providing a stable and supportive environment for their family. She managed the family’s finances and investments, which often experienced difficulties. Her strong Episcopalian faith influenced her decisions, such as refusing to send their daughters to the Georgetown Academy for girls in Washington, D.C., because it was a Catholic institution.

When John Tyler served as Governor of Virginia from 1825 to 1827, Letitia presided as the First Lady of Virginia in Richmond. As the wife of a U.S. Senator, she spent the social season of 1828-1829 in Washington, D.C., experiencing the transition from the John Quincy Adams Administration to the inauguration of Andrew Jackson. Letitia’s presence in Washington during this period indicates her active engagement in her husband’s political life.

Health Decline and Move to Williamsburg

In 1839, Letitia Tyler suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed and significantly limited her mobility. Despite her condition, she continued to manage her household and entertain guests from her bedroom suite. When John Tyler became Vice President in 1840, Letitia remained in Williamsburg, intending to conduct his work from home to stay near her.

First Lady of the United States

Letitia Tyler became First Lady on 4 April 1841, when John Tyler succeeded to the presidency after the death of President William Henry Harrison. Although she moved to the White House in late May 1841, Letitia’s health prevented her from fully engaging in the social and public duties typically associated with the role. She remained largely confined to her room, managing household affairs and entertaining family members and close friends.

Letitia was the first of three First Ladies to die in the White House, passing away on 10 September 1842. Her death marked the end of her tenure as First Lady, making her the first incumbent First Lady to die during her husband’s presidency.

Legacy and Death

Letitia Tyler’s legacy as First Lady is marked by her quiet strength and dedication to her family. Despite her health challenges, she continued to support her husband’s political career and manage the household. Her death in the White House was a significant event, and she was mourned publicly. Her funeral was held in the East Room, and her coffin was transported to Virginia for burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Letitia Christian Tyler’s life exemplifies the traditional roles of women in the early 19th century, providing a stable and supportive environment for her family while navigating the challenges of public life. Her resilience and dedication remain an integral part of her legacy as First Lady of the United States.