(21) Mary Arthur

Mary Arthur McElroy

Websites

First Ladies National Library Biography of Mary Arthur McElroy

The White House Historical Association: Mary Arthur McElroy

Papers/letters collections

Chester Arthur and Mary McElroy Collection

Historical sites

Mary McElroy Gravesite

Fascinating details

• President Chester A. Arthur’s wife, Ellen Lewis “Nell” Herndon Arthur, died before he was elected vice president and therefore did not see President Arthur assume the presidency when President Garfield was assassinated.
• Mary Arthur McElroy, sister of President Arthur, was asked by her brother to assume the social role of hostess. 
• She is the first ‘first lady’ to be the sibling of the president.
• Mary Arthur McElroy was part of the Albany Association Opposed to Women’s Suffrage.