Cleveland, Frances Folsom (1864-1947), was the wife of Grover Cleveland, who served as president of the United States from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897. She became the youngest first lady in history when, in 1886, she married President Cleveland in the White House. She was 21 years old at the time. Her husband was 49. She and Grover Cleveland are the only first lady and president to be married in the White House.
Mrs. Cleveland, whose maiden name was Frances Folsom, was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 21, 1864. Her father, an attorney, was a friend and law partner of Grover Cleveland. He died in a carriage accident when Frances was 11 years old. Cleveland then administered Mr. Folsom’s estate.
Frances Folsom graduated from Wells College in Aurora, New York, in 1885. Later that year, she accepted a marriage proposal from Grover Cleveland. The couple married on June 2, 1886. The marriage of the young woman to the president of the United States captured the public’s imagination. People became deeply interested in the new first lady. Mrs. Cleveland tried to avoid publicity, but newspapers closely followed her every word and action. Many women of the day imitated her hair and clothing styles. A number of businesses included pictures of her in advertisements for their products without her permission.
As first lady, Frances Cleveland became known as a delightful hostess. She often held White House receptions on Saturdays so working women could attend. People flocked to the receptions.
The Clevelands had five children. The children were, in order of birth, Ruth, Esther, Marion, Richard F., and Francis Grover. Ruth’s birth in 1891 generated national interest. Many people called her “Baby Ruth.” The Baby Ruth candy bar was named after her. Many people mistakenly think it was named for Babe Ruth, a baseball star of the 1920’s. Esther Cleveland is the only child of a president to be born in the White House. She was born there in 1893.
Frances Cleveland lived almost 40 years after her husband died in 1908. She married Thomas Jex Preston in 1913. She took part in patriotic drives during the United States participation in World War I (1917 and 1918). She also held positions in charitable organizations at various times. Frances Cleveland died on Oct. 29, 1947.
See also Cleveland, Grover .
