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Bess Truman |
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.