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& Daughter by April & Eric |
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& Daughter by April & Eric |
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with Mary Paxton, a school friend 
Photo from Mary Paxton Harry S. Truman Library |
Even though Bess
Truman was NOT a famous
woman, she became a wonderful First Lady of the United States. Bess Truman was born on February 13, 1885 in Independence, Missouri. She was named Elizabeth Virginia Wallace, but her family called her "Bess." She had golden curls and blue eyes, but Bess was a tomboy. Her family was very rich. Bess attended public schools in Independence, Missouri. She met Harry at Sunday school, and he thought she was special. They went through high school together. Bess turned down Harry at first, but they finally became engaged in 1917. Bess married Harry in June of 1919. They lived in the Wallace family home. |
| Their daughter, Mary Margaret was born in 1924. When Harry became a senator, Bess and Mary Margaret lived in Washington while Harry worked in our country's capital. They lived in Independence, Missouri the rest of the time. After Harry became President, Bess worked really hard. She answered his mail and helped him with reports too. She believed in the Girl Scouts and the American Red Cross! Many people admired Bess Truman, because she was an ordinary mother and wife. When Harry retired, they moved back to Independence and lived in their home on Delaware Street. |
Greta Kempton, Oil Painting Courtesy of Harry S. Truman Library |
| After her husband's
death in 1972, Bess Truman continued to live in the family home.
She died in 1982 and was buried beside her husband in the courtyard of
the Harry S. Truman Museum and
Library. She was 97 years old when she died. She was a
very nice lady with good character.
Print
out and color
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Photo by Gray O'Reilly Courtesy of Harry S. Truman Library |
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