(33) Elizabeth "Bess" Virginia Wallace Truman

 

Elizabeth "Bess" Virginia Wallace Truman

Birthdate

02/13/1885

Death date

10/18/1982

President

Harry Truman

Dates of service

04/12/1945-01/20/1953

Relationship to president

Spouse

Other marriages 

N/A

 

Websites

National First Ladies Library Biography of Bess Truman

The White House Historical Association: Elizabeth Truman

Papers/letters collections

Truman, Bess W. Papers

Bess Truman Collection

Historical sites

Bess Truman Gravesite

Fascinating details

  • Before Harry Truman assumed the Office of the President, Bess was on Senate payroll for serving as a clerk in Harry's office during his time as senator. 
  • During his presidency, Bess answered hundreds of letters a day and accompanied Harry to ceremonial appearances.
  • Bess Truman largely avoided the public eye because of her fear of public judgement.
  • Although she rarely issued public statements, it is well documented that President Truman highly valued Bess’ opinions and would routinely discuss politics with her.  
  • At the time of her death, Bess Truman was the oldest living ex first lady at 97 years old.

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