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Mary Arthur McElroy 1841 ~ 1917
President Arthur, successor to James A. Garfield had been a
widower for many years, and Washington was much concerned as to
who would preside over the White House during the presidency of
Chester A. Arthur. The continuous stream of visitors through the
White House during President Garfield's long illness was so
destructive to everything in the executive mansion that it was
reality almost uninhabitable when President Arthur took the oath
of office and there was much solicitude lest on account of the
absence of a lady of the White House, it would be long before it
would resume its attractive appearance. They little realized
that President Arthur was a man of exquisite taste and perfect
knowledge as to the appointments of an elegant home, and in as
brief a time as any woman could have directed its
rehabilitation, it presented as attractive an appearance as if a
magician's wand had been waved in every room of the historic
home of the presidents. Re-furnishings, redecoration and the
addition of up-to-date accessories transformed it into a
luxurious home before the meeting of Congress in December, 1881.
President Arthur had selected his sister, Mary Arthur McElroy,
wife of Reverend John E. McElroy, of Albany, New York, to
preside over the White House and take charge of his daughter,
Nellie, an attractive schoolgirl.
Mrs. McElroy, the youngest of several children of Reverend
William Arthur, a Baptist clergymen of Vermont, was born in
Greenwich, Washington County, New York. She was educated in the
famous school of Mrs. Willard in Troy. Her mother was a most
accomplished woman and .transmitted many of her virtues and
talents to her children. As Mary Arthur, Mrs. McElroy, had every
advantage that could be given at that time. She came to the
White House wen fitted to grace the historic mansion. It can be
said without fear of contradiction, that the social
entertainments, state dinners, evening receptions and all social
functions given at the White House during President Arthur's
administration were the most magnificent and enjoyable of any
that had ever been given in the White House by any president and
the lady presiding. Mrs. McElroy, as the mistress of the White
House, distinguished herself by her graciousness, hospitality,
cordiality, good taste and geniality. She allowed no one to feel
that they were unwelcome or that she felt bored and fatigued by
their presence. She drew about her many young people, among them
her own daughter and the President's daughter, Nellie, who added
much brightness on every occasion.
She introduced the custom of serving tea and other refreshments
after every reception. The hospitality thus extended seemed to
infuse much good feeling and cheerfulness among the guests, and
those who were privileged to enter the White House on these
occasions. Mrs. McElroy was a devout Christian and attended St.
John's Church on Lafayette Square, where President Arthur, also
worshipped. Mrs. Haynsworth, another sister of President Arthur,
frequently assisted Mrs. McElroy in the distribution of the
hospitalities of this lavish administration. She rarely failed
to have about her the ladies of the Cabinet and other
distinguished women of Washington. Mrs. McElroy was deeply
regretted when she ended her reign and took her departure from
Washington.
Women of
America
Source: The Part Taken by Women in
American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle
Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.
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