Tyler, Julia Gardiner (1820-1889), was the second wife of John Tyler, who served as president of the United States from 1841 to 1845. She married Tyler in 1844, about 22 months after his first wife died. The wedding marked the first time a president had married while in office. It generated national interest.
Mrs. Tyler, whose maiden name was Julia Gardiner, was born on either May 4 or July 23, 1820. Her birthplace was Gardiners Island, off the eastern tip of Long Island, New York. One of her ancestors had bought the island from Indians during the 1600’s. Julia grew up in East Hampton, Long Island. Her family was wealthy and held a prominent place in New York society. Julia was high-spirited and fun-loving. She was considered a beauty and was popular with men. In 1839, she caused her family concern by appearing in an advertisement endorsing the merchandise of a clothing and dry goods business. Her appearance in the ad caused a minor scandal. Women from wealthy families of the period were not supposed to lend their names to advertisements.
President Tyler’s first wife died in September 1842. Julia Gardiner met the president a few months later, while she was with her family on a trip to Washington, D.C. The couple later began courting, and they married on June 26, 1844. They had seven children after they left the White House in 1845. The children were, in order of birth, David Gardiner, John Alexander, Julia Gardiner, Lachlan, Lyon Gardiner, Robert Fitzwalter, and Pearl.
As first lady, Julia Tyler became known for the elaborate balls and other social functions she held in the White House. She had waltzes and polkas played there. A composer wrote the “Julia Waltzes” in her honor. Mrs. Tyler started the custom of having musicians play the song “Hail to the Chief” when the president appears at events.
As president, John Tyler worked to bring about the annexation of Texas, then an independent republic. Mrs. Tyler took up this cause and worked to persuade congressmen and other influential people to support the annexation. The Tylers gained backing for their cause, and Congress approved the annexation. Tyler signed the legislation on March 1, 1845, just before the end of his presidency. Texas officially joined the Union after he left office. Mrs. Tyler died on July 10, 1889.
See also Tyler, John .
