Bess Truman

Filed under:
First Spouse
Event date:
February 13, 2025 (This event repeats every year)
Location:
Independence, Missouri
Born:
February 13, 1885 (140 years ago)
Died:
October 18, 1982 (97 years old)
Description:

Born February 13, 1885

Wife of President Harry S. Truman

Bess Truman (1885 -1982) was the First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953, during the presidency of her husband, Harry S. Truman. Born Elizabeth Virginia Wallace in Missouri, she married Harry in 1919. Known for her reserved and private nature, Bess preferred to stay out of the public spotlight, focusing on family life and managing the White House. She was a strong supporter of her husband's political career but often expressed a desire for privacy, famously rejecting the idea of becoming more involved in public affairs. After leaving the White House, Bess lived a quiet life in Independence, Missouri, where she passed away in 1982.