Truman, Bess (1885-1982), was the wife of Harry S. Truman, who served as president of the United States from 1945 to 1953. As first lady, Mrs. Truman generally avoided interviews with the news media. In private, however, she was a valuable adviser to her husband.
Mrs. Truman’s maiden name was Elizabeth Virginia Wallace. Her mother decided to call her “Bessie” in honor of a friend named Bessie. The name was later shortened to “Bess.” Bess was born in Independence, Missouri, on Feb. 13, 1885. As a girl, she enjoyed playing baseball and other sports and was considered a tomboy. Her father held local political offices. He had financial problems and committed suicide when Bess was 18. Bess’s mother was grief-stricken, and Bess took care of three younger brothers for a time.
Bess Wallace and Harry Truman met at a Sunday school class when she was 5 years old and he was 6. The two were classmates in elementary school and high school. The couple married on June 28, 1919, after Truman had served in the Army during World War I. They had a child in 1924. The child was named Mary Margaret, but she was called Margaret. Margaret had a brief career as a concert singer and later became a writer.
In January 1945, Harry Truman became vice president of the United States under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt died in April of that year, and Truman became president. As first lady, Bess Truman was an important adviser to her husband. She often reviewed his speeches, and the president greatly valued her advice and judgment on government and political matters.
Mrs. Truman handled a variety of social events and received many visitors as first lady. But she generally avoided contact with the media. She believed that making public comments was not part of the role of the first lady.
During Truman’s presidency, the White House was found to be structurally weak. In November 1948, the Trumans moved to nearby Blair House while repairs were being made in the White House. They returned in March 1952.
Following Truman’s presidency, the couple moved back to Independence. Bess Truman died on Oct. 18, 1982, about 10 years after her husband’s death.
See also Truman, Harry S .
