McKinley, Ida Saxton (1847-1907), was the wife of William McKinley, who served as president of the United States from 1897 to 1901. Her life was marked by tragedy. Her mother and her two children died during a two-year period from 1873 to 1875. Mrs. McKinley suffered emotional shocks from these tragedies, and she also suffered from physical maladies, including epilepsy.
Mrs. McKinley, whose maiden name was Ida Saxton, was born on June 8, 1847, in Canton, Ohio. Her father was a wealthy banker. In 1870, Ida worked in a bank her father owned, at his suggestion. In those days, it was unusual for a young woman from a wealthy family to work. Ida enjoyed bank work, however.
William McKinley settled in Canton in 1867, and he and Ida Saxton met there. They married on Jan. 25, 1871. They had a daughter in December of that year. Another daughter was born in March 1873.
Ida McKinley’s mother died in March 1873. Her second daughter, also named Ida, died in August of that year at the age of 4 months. Finally, her other daughter, Katherine, died in June 1875 at the age of 3 years. Mrs. McKinley was stricken with grief and shock. She exhibited symptoms of epilepsy and phlebitis.
Although ill, Mrs. McKinley insisted on trying to carry out her hostess functions when she became first lady in 1897. William McKinley became well known for his devotion to his wife and his unfailing efforts to make her comfortable. He sat next to her at White House dinners, ready to help her if she had an epilepsy seizure. Mrs. McKinley’s phlebitis made it difficult for her to stand for long periods. When greeting White House visitors in reception lines, she often sat in a chair while her husband stood.
Tragedy struck the McKinley family again in 1901. President McKinley was shot by an assassin on September 6. He died on September 14. Ida McKinley returned to Canton and died there on May 26, 1907.
See also McKinley, William .
