Mary McElroy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Arthur McElroy
First Lady of the United States
In office September 19, 1881 – March 4, 1885
Preceded by	Lucretia Garfield
Succeeded by	Rose Cleveland
Personal details
Born	Mary Arthur (1841-07-05)July 5, 1841 Greenwich, New York, U.S.
Died	January 8, 1917(1917-01-08) (aged 75) Albany, New York, U.S.
Spouse	John McElroy
Signature

Mary Arthur McElroy was the sister of Chester A. Arthur, who became the 21st President of the United States. She helped him by acting as the White House hostess from 1881 to 1885. She took on this important job because President Arthur's wife had passed away.

Mary's Early Life

Mary Arthur McElroy was born on July 5, 1841, in Greenwich, New York. Her parents were William and Malvina S. Arthur. Mary was the youngest of their nine children.

In 1880, her brother, Chester Arthur, became the Vice President of the United States. A year later, in July 1881, President James A. Garfield was sadly shot. When President Garfield died on September 19, 1881, Chester A. Arthur became the new President. He then asked his sister, Mary, to help him by serving as the "First Lady" during his time in office.

Serving as First Lady

When her brother became President, Mary Arthur McElroy took on the role of "Mistress of the White House." This meant she was in charge of all the social events and entertaining guests. President Arthur also asked her to help care for his young daughter, Ellen.

Because Mary had her own family in Albany, New York, she only lived in Washington, D.C. during the busy winter social season. Even though she didn't have an official title, she was a very popular and skilled hostess. The way she and her brother organized social events was so good that future First Ladies used their methods for many years.

White House Events

Mary McElroy hosted many important events. She even honored two former First Ladies, Julia Gardiner Tyler and Harriet Lane. Harriet Lane was the niece of President James Buchanan and had also served as a social hostess. Mary asked them to help her welcome guests at the White House.

Mary's oldest daughter, May, and President Arthur's daughter, Nell, often helped out at these events. Her very last reception was held on February 28, 1885. This was just one week before President Arthur's time in office ended. A huge crowd of 3,000 people attended, and 48 daughters of important officials and social leaders helped her.

Later Life and Death

After her brother finished his term as President, Mary went back to live in Albany, New York. She passed away on January 8, 1917, in Albany, at the age of 75.