30 Facts About Margaret Taylor

Margaret Mackall Taylor was the first lady of the United States from 1849 to 1850 as the wife of President Zachary Taylor.

Margaret Taylor married Zachary in 1810 and lived as an army wife, accompanying her husband to his postings in the American frontier.

Margaret Taylor had six children, two of whom died in childhood while the remaining four were sent to boarding schools in the eastern United States.

Margaret Taylor managed the White House from the upstairs residence while she delegated her responsibilities as White House hostess to her daughter.

Margaret Taylor was highly reclusive throughout her tenure as first lady, which ended abruptly with her husband's death in 1850.

Margaret Taylor lived in obscurity until her death two years later.

Margaret Taylor's father was Walter Smith, a prosperous Maryland planter from a prominent family and a veteran officer of the American Revolution.

Margaret Taylor met Lieutenant Zachary Taylor while in Kentucky in 1809, and after a seven month long courtship, she married him on June 21,1810 in her sister's log house.

Margaret Taylor was one of the few military wives that accompanied their husbands into the frontier, though there were long periods of separation when Margaret Taylor was unable to travel with Zachary.

Margaret Taylor was forced to raise them in the sub-optimal conditions of military camps.

Margaret Taylor was a devout lifelong Episcopalian, and her faith gave her reassurance while she endured the burdens of frontier life.

Margaret Taylor herself came close to death, and she was devastated by the loss of her children.

At this home, Margaret Taylor held two slaves that did farm work with her.

Margaret Taylor was involved in the war effort during the Second Seminole War after her husband was stationed in Florida in 1837.

Margaret Taylor assisted in treating the wounded and promoting morale among the soldiers.

Margaret Taylor was able to return to domestic life after her husband was given leave in 1840 and they collected their daughter Betty from her boarding school.

Margaret Taylor declined one of the larger homes that were available in favor of a small cottage.

Margaret Taylor remained in seclusion on the second floor of the White House, citing her health, limiting her hosting to that of family and friends.

Margaret Taylor delegated her remaining responsibilities to her daughter Mary Elizabeth Bliss.

Margaret Taylor retained the private aspects of the first lady's duties, serving as head of the White House residence.

Margaret Taylor managed the White House staff, which included 15 slaves.

Margaret Taylor attended St John's Episcopal Church every day, and she was a member of the American Sunday School Union.

Margaret Taylor was often accompanied in the White House by her children and grandchildren, who visited regularly.

Margaret Taylor stayed with her daughter Ann in Baltimore for three months before taking up residence with her daughter Betty in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Margaret Taylor lived away from the public eye for the rest of her life, never talking about the White House.

Margaret Taylor died of a fever on August 14,1852, and was buried beside her husband at what is the Zachary Margaret Taylor National Cemetery.

Margaret Taylor is described as "mysterious" due to her relative obscurity.

For many years no portraits or photographs of Margaret Taylor could be fully authenticated, and none were known to exist.

In portrait galleries of the first ladies, Margaret Taylor's portrait was typically substituted with that of her daughter Elizabeth.

For many years, the only known image of Margaret Taylor was an engraving issued by the US Government in 1902.