Mary's Reputation

[Tom Emery]

Laurie, you're absolutely right -- there have been plenty of criticisms of First Ladies, especially recent ones. Some of it is justified, some perceived, and some blown completely out of proportion.

Some of the criticisms are of their time, while others suffer a backlash for programs and causes that we now look well on.

While the more visible First Ladies seem to get their share (as we've talked about with Mary Todd, Hillary, Eleanor, etc), some of the less-visible Presidential wives have plenty of reason to attract some form of criticism. For example, Florence Harding has been labelled as cold and distant (though that's certainly no reason for Warren Harding to have multiple affairs, as he did). Whether that label is deserved is debatable, but that's how some remember her.

Some historians call Mary Lincoln the "worst First Lady of all time." I think that's highly unjustified, and leans too heavily on the negative perceptions that surround her. Also, the Lincoln White House experienced great sadness, with the loss of a child.

Certainly, the Lincolns were not the only ones to lose a child during their Presidency; the Coolidges also come to mind, as do the Kennedys. Several First Ladies also died in their husband's administration; Tyler's first wife, Benjamin Harrison, Wilson's first wife, etc.

But the Lincolns' loss of Willie should account for at least some slack for Mary, let alone the good qualities she had that are so often overlooked.