Rachel Jackson

Rachel Donelson came from a prosperous Virginian family who sold their plantations in 1779 and settled in the western frontier of Tennessee with their enslaved people. Rachel’s first marriage to Lewis Robards was abusive, and Robards filed for divorce in 1790. Andrew Jackson married Rachel the following year; however, they discovered the divorce was not granted until 1794. They were legally remarried at this time. During the 1828 presidential campaign, the anti-Jackson side proclaimed Rachel a bigamist, a severe assault on any well-respected woman in her community. As she was preparing to leave for Washington for the inauguration, she suffered a heart attack and died on December 22, 1828.

Born: June 1767, near Banister River, Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Died: December 22, 1828, The Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee

Early Life and Family Background

Rachel Donelson was born in June 1767 near the Banister River in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Her exact birth date is not recorded, but it is generally attributed to June 15. She was the tenth of eleven children born to Colonel John Donelson and Rachel Stockley Donelson. Her father, John Donelson, was a prominent figure—born in 1718 in Somerset County, Maryland—who was a hunter, surveyor, foundry owner, Revolutionary War soldier, member of the Virginia Assembly, and co-founder of Nashville, Tennessee. He was murdered in 1786 under mysterious circumstances while returning from Virginia to Tennessee. Rachel’s mother, Rachel Stockley Donelson, was born in 1730 in Accomac County, Virginia, and died in 1801 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rachel’s ancestry was a mix of Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and English. Her paternal great-grandfather, Patrick Donelson, was born in Scotland around 1670, while her maternal line included Welsh and English origins. The Donelson family played a significant role in the early settlement and development of Nashville, with Rachel’s siblings and their descendants dominating the city’s business, civic, and political spheres for generations.

Education and Early Life

There is no record of Rachel receiving a formal education. Growing up in a rural part of Virginia, she likely learned the basics of reading and writing at home. Her education primarily focused on domestic skills such as sewing, spinning, weaving, embroidery, food preservation, and managing household duties, including supervising the family’s enslaved members. Rachel also played musical instruments and was an accomplished horsewoman. Despite poor spelling and grammar, her letters reveal intelligent thought. Her reading interests included the Bible, religious works, and poetry.

At age 12, Rachel moved with her family to what would later become part of Tennessee. Her father led a group of around 600 settlers on a nearly 1,000-mile journey by flatboats from Fort Patrick Henry along the Holston River to the Cumberland River, eventually settling at Fort Nashborough (Nashville) on April 24, 1780. The Donelson family and other settlers faced numerous challenges during their journey, including attacks from indigenous tribes and harsh weather conditions. Rachel’s early experiences in this frontier environment helped shape her resilience and adaptability.

First Marriage

At 18, Rachel married Lewis Robards on March 1, 1785, in Lincoln County, Kentucky. The marriage was troubled, and Rachel returned to her mother’s home in Nashville several times due to Robards’ abusive behavior. The couple ultimately divorced, with accusations of Rachel’s flirtation and an inappropriate relationship with Andrew Jackson. The divorce became a public scandal, marking the first time a presidential candidate’s personal life was used against him in a campaign. Despite the controversy, Rachel’s defenders claimed she fled Robards for her safety.

The divorce process was lengthy and complicated. Rachel and Andrew Jackson believed she was legally divorced when they married in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1791. However, it was later revealed that the divorce was not finalized until 1794, making their initial marriage technically invalid. This mistake subjected Rachel to public scrutiny and accusations of bigamy and adultery, which haunted her for the rest of her life.

Second Marriage to Andrew Jackson

Rachel married Andrew Jackson on January 7, 1794, in Nashville, Tennessee, after her divorce from Robards was legally finalized. The couple lived with Rachel’s mother in Nashville before building their home, The Hermitage. Rachel chose the plot of land for their future residence. Despite the scandal surrounding their marriage, Andrew and Rachel Jackson had a strong and enduring relationship. Andrew often referred to Rachel as his “beloved wife” and credited her with providing emotional support throughout his tumultuous career.

Children

Rachel and Andrew Jackson adopted two sons: Andrew Jackson Jr., born December 4, 1808, and Lyncoya Jackson, an indigenous orphan found by Jackson on a battlefield. Rachel also served as the legal guardian for six boys and two girls, including her nephews and nieces, further extending her maternal influence. The Jacksons’ adoption of Lyncoya was particularly significant, as it reflected Andrew Jackson’s complex relationship with indigenous peoples and tribes. While he adopted and raised Lyncoya as his own son, Jackson’s policies as president later led to the forced removal of indigenous tribes from their ancestral lands.

Life as a Plantation Mistress

Rachel managed The Hermitage plantation, overseeing household tasks, farming, and the enslaved labor while Andrew pursued his career in law, politics, and the military. Despite her husband’s frequent absences, 

Rachel remained devoted, expressing frustration at their separations but supporting his ambitions. Her role at The Hermitage was substantial. Her strong organizational skills and leadership were crucial to maintaining the estate during Andrew’s frequent and prolonged absences due to his military and political duties.

Political Influence and Public Life

Although Rachel preferred a private life focused on her home and family, she recognized the importance of supporting her husband’s political career. She joined Andrew on significant trips, including his military campaigns and political endeavors, to locations such as Pensacola, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Washington, D.C. Her presence provided Andrew with emotional support and helped him maintain his connection to their home life.

Rachel’s influence on Andrew was notable. Several accounts suggest she had a calming effect on his notoriously fiery temper, preventing him from making rash decisions. She was known for her hospitality, often entertaining Andrew’s political allies and guests at The Hermitage. Despite her reserved nature, Rachel engaged in political conversations and understood the broader implications of Andrew’s career.

Presidential Campaign and Controversy

The 1828 presidential campaign was particularly brutal for Rachel. Andrew Jackson’s opponents used her previous marriage and the circumstances of her divorce to attack his character. Newspapers and pamphlets accused her of bigamy and adultery, causing immense personal distress. The intense public scrutiny and personal attacks took a toll on Rachel’s health and well-being. She became increasingly withdrawn and suffered from stress-related health issues.

Despite winning the election, Andrew Jackson never forgave his political enemies for the pain they caused Rachel. He believed the attacks on her character contributed to her declining health and eventual death. Rachel herself was deeply affected by the scandal, reportedly spending much of the campaign in tears and experiencing severe anxiety.

Death and Legacy

Rachel Jackson died suddenly on December 22, 1828, just weeks before Andrew Jackson’s inauguration. She was 61 years old. Her death shocked Andrew, who was devastated by the loss. He held her body for hours, hoping she might still be alive, and refused to leave her side. Rachel was buried in the garden at The Hermitage, and her funeral was attended by thousands of people, reflecting her widespread impact and the public’s affection for her.

Andrew Jackson’s grief over Rachel’s death influenced his presidency. He often wore a locket containing her portrait and kept her memory alive in his daily life. The Hermitage became a place of pilgrimage for Jackson supporters, who saw Rachel as a symbol of virtue and victimhood.

Impact on the Role of First Lady

Rachel Jackson’s experience highlighted the personal challenges faced by presidential spouses. The scandal surrounding her marriage was the first significant public debate about the private lives of those in the White House. Her story set a precedent for how personal matters could become political weapons and underscored the intense scrutiny First Ladies could face.

Rachel’s legacy is one of resilience and devotion. Despite personal hardships and public controversies, she remained a steadfast supporter of her husband and managed their home with strength and grace. Her life story reflects the complexities and challenges of being a woman in early American society and the unique pressures of being connected to a prominent political figure.

Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson’s influence on Andrew Jackson and her role in his life continue to be remembered as integral parts of his legacy. Her experiences as a frontier woman, plantation mistress, and supportive wife provide a nuanced understanding of the early American experience and the evolving role of women in society.