Polk, Sarah Childress (1803–1891)

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Polk, Sarah Childress (1803–1891)

First lady of the U.S. (1845–49), admired for her intelligence and resolve, who held a unique position in the White House as her husband's official confidential secretary. Born Sarah Childress on September 4, 1803, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; died on August 14, 1891, in Nashville, Tennessee; one of two daughters and two sons of Elizabeth (Whitsitt) Childress and Captain Joel Childress (a planter, merchant, tavernkeeper, land speculator, and militia major); married James Knox Polk (president of the U.S., 1845–49), on January 1, 1824, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (died 1849).

It came as no surprise when Sarah Childress Polk became the first woman in the White House to work in an official capacity as the president's confidential secretary. For 20 years, she had occupied the seat across the desk from her husband, James K. Polk, and had become his most valuable political asset.

As the third of four children of a wealthy Tennessee plantation owner, Sarah was born in Murfreesboro in 1803 and brought up in a privileged and devoutly Presbyterian home. At age 13, during a period when most young women were not well educated, Sarah was sent to the Moravian Seminary in Salem, North Carolina, considered the best girls' school in the South. She emerged capable and disciplined, with a lively intellect and a good head for politics.

By some accounts, "Uncle" Andrew Jackson directed Sarah's political thinking and promoted her romance with James Polk, who had come to Murfreesboro as a clerk of the state senate. Sarah and James shared a strict Calvinistic code and a passion for the political arena. Love blossomed, and the two became engaged following his election to the legislature in 1823. They married on New Year's Day 1824, and a year later, Polk began a 14-year tenure in Congress, serving as speaker of the house from 1835 until 1839, when he was elected governor of Tennessee. After losing two bids for reelection as governor, in 1844 James defeated Henry Clay for the presidency. It may be that Uncle Andrew also had a hand in getting James Polk elected, introducing him as a dark-horse candidate when the Democrats seemed hopelessly deadlocked between General Lewis Cass and Martin Van Buren.

Sarah was her husband's political helpmate from the early days. Childless, she traveled everywhere with him, assisting with paperwork and acting as advisor and confidante. She also supplied the social graces he lacked as a politician on the rise. Frail and introverted, James Polk was not terribly personable. Sarah, though formidable in her own right, managed to garner admiration and forge friendships along the way. Described as attractive in a "dark-eyed Spanish way," she was charming and witty in conversation, carefully deflecting credit for any political decisions by prefacing her remarks with "Mr. Polk says."

The Polks took the responsibilities of the presidency seriously, believing they were "Godgiven" and that the two of them "belonged to the nation." James refused to consider a second term, so that decisions he made would not be influenced by a desire to be reelected. The White House reflected the strong moral convictions of its inhabitants. A strict Sabbath observance was instituted, and alcohol, card playing, and dancing were forbidden. Sarah had neither the time nor inclination for entertaining, and with the nation at war with Mexico, austerity seemed appropriate. The first lady also kept a strict watch over her husband's yearly income, and refreshments at twice-weekly receptions were eliminated. The only concession to the comfort of White House visitors during the Polk administration appears to have been the installation of gaslights.

Fourteen-hour work days, with almost no vacation time in four years, took their toll on President Polk. He died in June 1849, shortly after leaving office, at age 54. Sarah lived on for another 42 years at "Polk Place," a home that her husband had provided for their retirement in Tennessee. She took in and raised her great-niece and namesake, Sarah Polk Jetton , who, with her husband and child, lived with Sarah until her death.

Polk Place became a monument of sorts. During the Civil War, Sarah was visited by Union and Confederate commanders alike. Although in her later years she ventured out only to attend church, she was visited often by politicians and dignitaries. Sarah Childress Polk died at the age of 88 and was buried beside her husband in a vault she had erected at Polk Place. Later, it was moved to the grounds of the State capitol.