An original C-SPAN feature series telling the stories of America’s 45 First Ladies through conversations with top experts, video tours of historic sites, and questions from C-SPAN’s audience.

Bess Truman
First Lady: 1945 - 1953

Biography

Bess Truman

Harry S. Truman
We are not any of us happy to be where we are but there’s nothing to be done about it except to do our best—and forget about the sacrifices and many unpleasant things that pop up.

Born - February 13, 1885 in Independence, Missouri

Parents - David Willock Wallace & Madge Gates Wallace

Married - June 28, 1919 to Harry S. Truman

Children - “Mary” Margaret (1924 – 2008)

Education – Barstow School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri

Occupation – Husband’s Senate secretary

Post White House residence - Independence, Missouri

Died - October 18, 1982 in Independence, Missouri

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Did You Know IconDid You Know...
  • President Truman called his wife, “The Boss.”
  • The Truman’s lived in the Blair House during their second term while the White House was being rebuilt.
  • Bess Truman is the longest lived First Lady.

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