Lucretia Garfield, born on April 19, 1832, in Ohio, was the wife of the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield. She was a devoted member of the Churches of Christ and met James when they were classmates at Geauga Seminary in Chester, Ohio. Lucretia was known for her intelligence and passion for education.
Lucretia married James Garfield in 1858, after their initial meeting at Geauga Seminary ten years prior. The couple went on to have four sons and one daughter. Lucretia was a loving and supportive wife, standing by her husband's side through his political career.
Lucretia became the First Lady of the United States in 1881 when her husband, James Garfield, assumed the presidency. Tragically, her time as First Lady was marred by hardship, as she contracted malaria while living in the White House. The ultimate tragedy struck when President Garfield was shot and killed by an assassin, leaving Lucretia a widow.
While James Garfield attended school at Williams College, Lucretia focused on her own career in education. She was known for her dedication to teaching and her commitment to the intellectual development of her students.
After her husband's assassination, Lucretia Garfield devoted her life to preserving his legacy. She worked tirelessly to promote James Garfield's memory and ensure that his contributions to the country were not forgotten.
Lucretia Garfield's life story is one of love, loss, and resilience. She will always be remembered for her unwavering support of her husband and her commitment to education.