McKinley, Ida Saxton (1847–1907)

American first lady of indomitable spirit who, though plagued by ill health most of her life, was a trusted advisor to her husband . Born on June 8, 1847, in Canton, Ohio; died on May 26, 1907, in Canton; eldest daughter of James Asbury Saxton (a banker) and Katherine (DeWalt) Saxton; married William McKinley (1843–1901, president of the United States, 1897–1901), on January 25, 1871, in Canton, Ohio; children: Katherine (b. 1871 and died before her fourth birthday); Ida (b. 1873 and died five months later).

At formal White House receptions, Ida McKinley received guests seated on a thronelike velvet chair, holding a large bouquet of flowers so she would not have to shake hands. Cabinet wives and relatives flanked her chair and were designated to assist the first lady. At state dinners, contrary to protocol, Ida was seated to the president's right so he could watch for what was then regarded as her "fainting spells," but were, in fact, epileptic seizures. If one occurred, he would calmly place his large white handkerchief over her face, wait for it to pass, and proceed as though nothing had happened. If guests were alarmed, they said nothing. Even the press was discreet. Only recently have the facts about Ida McKinley's illness been disclosed.

Ida Saxton was a cheerful, intelligent, and spoiled child. As the eldest of three children in one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Canton, Ohio, she attended the finest schools. At age 16, she was forced her to leave Brooke Hall Seminary in Media, Pennsylvania, because of "delicate health," foreshadowing the problems that would dominate her later life. After an eight-month grand tour of Europe, accompanied by her younger sister Mary "Pina" Saxton , Ida took her place in the fashionable young society of Canton, but found herself somewhat bored. Her father, in an unconventional gesture, employed and trained her as a clerk in his bank. She loved the work and earned a promotion to cashier.

When Major William McKinley, who had come to Canton to set up a law practice, met the vivacious, auburn-haired Ida, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and the couple wed on January 25, 1871. Happiness was short-lived. Two daughters, Katherine and Ida, were born in 1871 and 1873. Ida lived only five months, and Katherine contracted typhoid fever and died before her fourth birthday. It was during the birth of her second child that Ida's mother died, and her extreme grief contributed to premature labor and complications. Ida contracted phlebitis in her legs and began to suffer a nervous disorder that was diagnosed as mild epilepsy coupled with recurring headaches and bouts of severe depression. She was devastated by the death of her children and, it is said, refused to part with their clothes and toys. With the loss of their family, the McKinleys found solace in each other.

William McKinley, as a congressional representative and then governor of Ohio, altered his life considerably so he could take care of Ida. She managed some charitable work but spent most of her time seated in a favorite childhood rocking chair, doing needlework. (It is said she crocheted thousands of pairs of slippers for relatives and various hospitals.) By the time William won the presidency in 1897, and the couple moved to the White House, Ida was a confirmed invalid. But she made a brave effort to manage as many of the demanding duties of first lady as possible.

Despite her frail health, and the need to walk assisted by a cane, Ida accompanied her husband on many of his travels, including his illfated trip to the Pan Am Exposition held in Buffalo in September 1901, soon after his second inauguration. When the president was shot by an assassin, his first thoughts were of Ida and how she would receive the news. To the surprise of many, she summoned the strength to remain at his bedside until he died eight days later. She also insisted on handling all of the burial arrangements. Ida McKinley lived for six years after his death, cared for by her sister Mary, and visited her husband's grave almost daily. Ida died on May 26, 1907, at the age of 60. She is buried with the president and her daughters in Westlawn Cemetery in Canton, Ohio.

sources:

James, Edward T., ed. Notable American Women, 1607–1950. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1971, pp. 470–471.

Klapthor, Margaret Brown. The First Ladies. Washington, DC: The White House Historical Association, 1979.

Melick, Arden David. Wives of the Presidents. Maple-wood, NJ: Hammond, 1977.

Paletta, LuAnn. The World Almanac of First Ladies. NY: World Almanac, 1990.

Willard, Frances E., and Mary A. Livermore, eds. A Woman of the Century: Biographical Sketches of Leading American Women. New York, Buffalo, Chicago: Charles Wells Moulton, 1893 (reprinted by Gale Research, Detroit, 1967), p. 183.

Barbara Morgan , Melrose, Massachusetts