Without a doubt, George Washington is the Father of our Country – but he never fathered children, though most of our presidents did. John Tyler, with the help of two wives, had more children than any other president.
Tyler became the 10th president on April 6, 1841, one month after the inauguration of William Henry Harrison, the first president to die in office. Tyler’s wife, Letitia Christian Tyler, loved home life. Together the couple had eight children (One died at birth). Letitia was a doting mother. She was most content “to be seen only as a part of the existence of her beloved husband; to entertain her neighbors; to sit gently by her child’s cradle, reading, knitting, or sewing” (Boller, Paul F. Jr., Presidential Wives: An Anecdotal History. Oxford University Press, New York. 1988, p. 78). Having suffered a stroke that left her somewhat an invalid, Letitia did not entertain while in the White House. Most of her days were spent in the family quarters where she visited with her children and grandchildren. Even though her health was failing, Letitia made an official appearance at the wedding of her daughter Elizabeth to William Nevison Waller in September 1842. A few days later on September 10th, Letitia died, leaving behind children ranging in age from 11 to 26. The children and their families lived with their father at the White House and depended upon him to pay “for clothing, jewelry, and various other needs that their position demanded” (Seale, William, The President’s House: A History. White House Historical Association, Washington DC. 1986, p. 244). Pricilla, the wife of Tyler’s eldest son Robert, served as one of the official White House hostesses; therefore, Tyler also paid expenses incurred from her position.
Pricilla enjoyed her duties and continued to serve until John Tyler surprised everyone with a short courtship and quick marriage to Julia Gardiner, the daughter of former New York state senator David Gardiner. The president had become familiar with Gardiner when she joined his children at White House social events.
One such social event was a White House dinner held on February 7, 1844. Julia played cards with the president, and he became smitten with her. When she was preparing to leave, he “chased her around so he could kiss her, and launched an assiduous courtship the next day” (Boller, pp 78 – 82). Two weeks later, he proposed. At first, Julia refused Tyler; then tragedy struck her family. In late February, Tyler, his cabinet, and 200 guests embarked on a ceremonial cruise aboard the USS Princeton. Periodically, the cannons were fired to amuse the crowd. The Peacemaker, a 12-inch muzzleloader, had been fired several times that morning. In the afternoon, it was fired again, only to explode, killing several men including David Gardiner, Julia’s father. Julia, who was also on board, fainted and was carried ashore by the president (Seale, p. 246).
Julia agreed to married Tyler, and the couple became engaged. Without telling people of their plans, they journeyed to New York City and were married on June 26, 1844, making Tyler the first president to wed while in office. The groom was more than 30 years older than the bride. When they returned to the White House for a reception, Tyler’s children were displeased. Critics thought perhaps Julia was seeking a father figure. Others warned Tyler that being the president was “a dazzling dignity which may charm a damsel more than the man she marries.” James Buchanan thought the president “lucky” (Boller p. 81 – 82).
During her short reign as First Lady, Julia offended many members of Washington society. She should have been in mourning for her father. Instead, the White House social calendar was increased. Julia tried to appease her critics by wearing mourning attire during the day and white at evening events. She sat in a large armchair placed on a raised platform in front of windows when receiving guests. For some, it was a practice better suited for the royal courts of Europe than the home of an elected official. She enjoyed the pomp of White House entertaining and required the Marine Band to play “Hail to the Chief” when the president entered the room (Boller p. 89).
After leaving office, the Tylers moved to Sherwood Forest Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. There, Julia gave birth to seven children. John Tyler became the father of 15 children, more than any other president. Today, Sherwood Forest Plantation remains in the Tyler family and is owned by descendants of John and Julia.
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