Lucretia Rudolph Garfield
Born: April 19, 1832 at Garrettsville, Ohio
Died: March 14, 1918 (aged 85) at South Pasadena, California
Spouse: James Garfield (m. 1858-1881)
Children: Harry Augustus Garfield, James Rudolph Garfield, Mary Garfield, Irvin Garfield, Abram Garfield, Eliza Garfield, Edward Garfield
Offices held:
First Lady of the United States (1881)
Facts about Lucretia Rudolph Garfield
She was called by the pet name “”Crete”” by her family, friends and husband. During the three months her husband fought for his life, her grief, devotion, and fortitude won the respect and sympathy of the country.
After the death of the President and burial, the family returned home to their residence in Mentor, Ohio. Lucretia Garfield remained here for many years remodeling the residence with the addition of many rooms including a library to house the President’s huge collection of books. The house today is preserved and is a favorite destination of tourist where they are able to view the many mementos from the Garfield family.
She hosted cheerful social events at the White House and lifted the ban on serving alcoholic drinks that had been imposed by the previous First Lady, Lucy Hayes. Her tenure in Washington lasted but 200 days. She was one of the four first ladies to lose their husbands in presidential assassinations.
The American public reacted with shock and grief and extended their sympathy to the plight of the president’s widow and her five children. Nearly $360,000 was raised in contributions for the family.
Lucretia Rudolph Garfield Childhood
Born in Hiram, Ohio, the daughter of Zeb Rudolph, a farmer and co-founder of the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, and Arabella Mason Rudolph, Lucretia “”Crete”” Rudolph was a devout member of the Churches of Christ. Her ancestry includes German, Welsh, English and Irish; Lucretia Garfield’s paternal great-grandfather immigrated to Pennsylvania (in a part that is now Delaware) from Germany.
Where is Lucretia Rudolph Garfield buried?
Her casket was placed above ground beside the coffin of her husband in the lower level crypt of the James A. Garfield Memorial at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
How did Lucretia Rudolph Garfield die?
She died by natural cause at her home in South Pasadena, California on March 14, 1918.