Julia Gardiner Tyler was the second wife of President John Tyler. She served as First Lady from 1844 to 1845.
Early Life
LJulia Gardiner Tyler was born into a wealthy New York family on May 4, 1820. While she attended the Chegary Institute in New York, she was groomed for a life in society.
As a teenager, Julia modeled for a middle-class clothing store, which dubbed her the “Rose of Long Island.” To escape the attention and embarrassment caused by the advertisement, Julia’s upper-class family took her on a year-long European tour.
When her family moved to Washington, D.C. in 1842 for the winter social season, Julia quickly became the darling of Washington society. She attracted numerous suitors, including newly-widowed President John Tyler.
Marriage to John Tyler
Julia met John Tyler when visiting the White House with her family. She initially rejected his romantic advances, which included several proposals of marriage. However, she softened following the death of her father, who was killed in a horrific accident involving a naval gun explosion. John Tyler helped Julia deal with her grief, and they were secretly engaged in early 1844.
John Tyler became the first President to marry in office when he and Julia wed on June 26, 1844. Tyler was 54 years old, while Julia was just 24. She once said about her husband: “Nothing appears to delight the President more than…to hear people sing my praises.”
First Lady of the United States
Julia Tyler served as First Lady for the last eight months of her husband’s term, becoming known as “Lovely Lady Presidentress.” Julia Tyler brought formality and opulence to the White House. She dressed in European finery and hosted lavish social events. While Julia Tyler enjoyed the public adoration she received, she also expertly used it to advance her husband’s political interests.
Later Life
When John Tyler left office, he and Julia retired to their home at Sherwood Forest in Virginia. Julia presided over the plantation until the Civil War broke out. John Tyler died in 1862.
Julia supported the Confederacy, even after fleeing to New York. The war ultimately left her impoverished. In 1880, Congress granted Julia a $1,200 a year pension. After President James A. Garfield was assassinated, Congress awarded penions of $5,000 annually to Julia Tyler, Lucretia Garfield, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Sarah Polk.
Julia Tyler returned to Richmond, where she died on July 10, 1889, at the age of 69. She is buried alongside her husband.
