Anna Harrison | American First Lady

Summary

Anna Harrison, born in 1775, lived a life of tenacity and personal sacrifice. As the wife of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, she is the only First Lady who did not visit Washington during her husband’s presidency, as he died tragically just 31 days after taking office. Despite her brief tenure, Anna Harrison is known for her commitment to family, faith, and the historical significance of her life, earning her a unique place among the First Ladies of the United States.

Anna Harrison Facts

Full Name:	Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison
Born:	25 July 1775
Birth Place:	Walpack Township, New Jersey, United States
Death:	25 February 1864 (age 88 years)
Death of Cause:	Died from old age
Spouse:	William Henry Harrison
Parents:	John Cleves Symmes, Anna Tuthill Symmes

Anna Harrison’s Early Life 

Anna Harrison was born on July 25, 1775, in Morristown, New Jersey. She was Anna Tuthill and John Cleves Symmes’ second child. Her father was an associate justice on the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Her mother passed away on her first birthday, leaving her father to raise her alone.

When the American Revolutionary War started, John was a colonel in the Continental Army. He disguised himself as a British soldier to protect his daughter and took her to Long Island on horseback. Her maternal grandparents raised her right here. According to one rumor, John carried two suitcases. One had Anna, while the other contained turnips, which he displayed to soldiers, stating they were for the British commander.

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Anna attended Clinton Academy in East Hampton before moving on to Isabella Graham’s private school. Her schooling was religious, as her grandparents raised her as a Presbyterian. After the war ended in 1783, Anna’s father briefly visited her in New York before moving to the Northwest Territory. She came to the Northwest Territory in 1794, at the age of 19, to rejoin with her father.

Anna Harrison’s Marriage life

Anna met William Henry Harrison during a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to visit her sister Maria. Despite her father’s opposition, she began a relationship with him. Her father opposed the courtship because of Harrison’s military background.

Symmes and Harrison agreed to marry when her father was away for business. They married on November 25 1795, with Dr. Stephen Wood officiating. The ceremony may have been held at Anna’s father’s home. Anna’s father was dissatisfied and did not speak to his son-in-law for weeks. When he eventually did, he enquired about his plans to support Anna and their future family. 

Anna lived the usual army wife’s life, which included travel with her spouse. In 1798, William retired from the army, bought land in North Bend, and erected a log cabin for his family. At this time, they had their first kid, who was born in 1796. They eventually had ten children together  over 18 years. Nine of them preceded Anna in death.

First Lady of the United States

Harrison was the oldest woman to become first lady, at 65 years old. She was concerned that she would be poorly received in Washington society and would be unable to complete her conventional responsibilities as first lady.

William was inaugurated as president in 1841, but Anna did not travel with him to Washington. She was ill, and the trek would be inclement weather. Instead, she appointed Jane Irwin Harrison, their late son’s widow, as interim first lady. She planned to join her husband the following May, but before she departed, she learned that he had died of pneumonia. She declined to attend his state funeral.

Anna Harrison Legacy

Anna Harrison’s legacy stands out in American history as the first woman to be widowed while serving as First Lady. Despite the dearth of considerable scholarly research, Harrison’s legacy is defined by her commitment to faith and family. Harrison set multiple records, including being the last First Lady born before George Washington’s inauguration, the first to have a formal education, and the oldest woman to become First Lady at 65.

Anna Harrison’s time as First Lady was the shortest in history, lasting only 31 days. In addition, she is the only First Lady who did not visit the capital during her husband’s presidency. Harrison was ranked 23^rd out of 42 First Ladies in 1982, however, she has since been eliminated from future surveys due to her limited term. Overall, Anna Harrison’s legacy is distinguished by her unusual circumstances, devotion to family and religion, and status as a trailblazer for future First Ladies.

Anna Harrison Death 

Anna Harrison’s life took a terrible turn when her husband, President William Henry Harrison, died just one month into his term in 1841. She decided not go to Washington for his burial. Anna survived nine of her ten children and lived in Ohio for several years before dying on February 25, 1864. Her legacy as First Lady, despite her brief tenure, was long-lasting, as she was both the wife and grandmother of US Presidents. She is remembered for her commitment to her family and her role as a trailblazing First Lady.

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