Presidents Veeps First Ladies White House First Pets Directory USAT Home
USA Trivia Info FAQ E-mail:profmark@usa.com Ask Prof Mark  Biographies Aargh


Julia Gardiner Tyler
Date of Birth: March 4, 1820
Date of Death: July 10, 1889
Age at death: 69
Married: June 26, 1844 -
John Tyler
Children: 7

  • Wed at a ceremony at her parents home in New York, Julia Gardiner was the first woman to marry a seated president
  • She was thirty years younger than her husband, John Tyler
  • Julia bore seven children to Tyler, who had eight children to his first wife Letitia, mkaing him the president to father the most offspring at 15
  • Although she lived in the White House for less than a year, Julia accomplished much as First Lady
  • She was the first to issue a public statement through a press agent
  • She is also credited with writing her husband's farewell speech
  • She loved music, and her social events included the introduction of new dances such as the polka
  • It was her idea to have the Marine Band play Hail To The Chief as an introduction for the president
  • Often called "Lovely Lady Presidentress," she greeted guests from a platform often dressed in lavish fashions, while surrounded by other women