Frances Folsom Cleveland was the wife of President Grover Cleveland and the youngest First Lady in United States history. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1886 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897.
Early Life of Frances Folsom Cleveland
Frances Clara Folsom was born on July 21, 1864, in Buffalo, New York. She was the only child of Emma Harmon Folsom and Oscar Folsom, who was a close friend and law partner of Grover Cleveland.
Frances grew up in a comfortable home and was a bright student. She attended Wells College in Aurora, New York, where she excelled in her studies and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Marriage to President Grover Cleveland
Frances Folsom Cleveland first met Grover Cleveland when she was just a child. Cleveland was a close friend of her father’s and often visited their home. After her father’s death, Cleveland became her legal guardian.
Their relationship developed over the years, and they eventually fell in love. Cleveland proposed to Frances in 1885, and they were married in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886. Frances was just 21 years old at the time, while Cleveland was 49.
Their marriage caused a sensation in the press, and Frances quickly became a popular figure in the United States. The public was fascinated by her youth and beauty, and she was often featured in fashion magazines.
Frances Folsom Cleveland as First Lady
As First Lady, Frances Folsom Cleveland made a significant impact on the White House and the United States. She was known for her fashion sense and her influence on style and trends.
Frances was also a social and political force during her time in the White House. She was actively involved in charity work and used her position to advocate for causes she believed in, such as education for women and Native American rights.
Life After the White House
After leaving the White House, Frances Folsom Cleveland returned to private life with her husband and their children. She continued to be a prominent figure in American society and was known for her elegance and grace.
Frances remained active in philanthropy and served on the board of several charitable organizations. She also became involved in the suffrage movement and was a vocal advocate for women’s right to vote.
Controversies Surrounding Frances Folsom Cleveland
Frances Folsom Cleveland’s marriage to Grover Cleveland caused controversy in the United States due to their significant age difference. Many people were uncomfortable with the idea of a young woman marrying a man nearly 30 years her senior.
The public also had mixed opinions about their relationship. While some saw Frances as a victim of Cleveland’s predatory behavior, others believed that she had entered into the marriage willingly and was a strong and independent woman.
Conclusion
Frances Folsom Cleveland was a remarkable figure in American history. She was a trailblazer for First Ladies, using her position to advocate for important causes and influence fashion and style in the United States. Despite the controversies surrounding her marriage to Grover Cleveland, she remained a respected and admired figure throughout her life.
Frances Folsom Cleveland’s legacy lives on today, and her impact on American society continues to be felt. Her commitment to social justice, philanthropy, and women’s rights is an inspiration to all those who strive to make a difference in the world.
FAQs
How old was Frances Folsom Cleveland when she became First Lady?
Frances Folsom Cleveland was just 21 years old when she became First Lady in 1886.
What impact did Frances Folsom Cleveland have on fashion and style?
Frances Folsom Cleveland was known for her fashion sense and influenced trends in the United States during her time as First Lady.
What causes did Frances Folsom Cleveland advocate for as First Lady?
Frances Folsom Cleveland was a strong advocate for education for women and Native American rights during her time as First Lady.
What controversy surrounded Frances Folsom Cleveland’s marriage to Grover Cleveland?
Many people were uncomfortable with the significant age difference between Frances Folsom Cleveland and Grover Cleveland, who was nearly 30 years her senior.
What was Frances Folsom Cleveland’s legacy?
Frances Folsom Cleveland’s legacy includes her commitment to social justice, philanthropy, and women’s rights, as well as her influence on fashion and style in the United States.