Bess Truman

 

Bess Truman, born in 1885 in Independence, Missouri, was the no-nonsense wife of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. Despite coming from a wealthy and influential family, Bess attended public schools like her siblings. She caught the eye of Harry Truman during their elementary school days, and their courtship lasted for quite some time before they tied the knot. Bess was known for her no-frills attitude and down-to-earth demeanor, making her a relatable figure to many Americans during her time as first lady from 1945 to 1953. She passed away in 1982 in her hometown of Independence, Missouri, leaving behind a legacy of grace and simplicity.

After completing high school in 1901, she decided to further her education at Miss Barstow’s Finishing School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri. Unfortunately, in 1903, her father tragically took his own life, leaving her mother in a difficult financial situation. This event had a profound impact on her, leading her to develop a strong need for privacy that would later cause challenges during her time in the White House. Despite these struggles, she remained dedicated to her family and returned to Independence to care for her mother. Known for her athletic prowess, particularly in tennis, she excelled in this area.

In 1919, she married Harry, and together they faced financial setbacks when their haberdashery store went bankrupt in 1922. Despite her initial reservations about politics, Harry entered the political arena and found success as a judge in Jackson County. Their daughter Margaret was born in 1924, following several miscarriages. While Bess preferred to stay out of the public eye, she played a vital behind-the-scenes role in her husband's political career, offering support and assistance with speeches.

When Harry was elected vice president in 1944, Bess was a relatively unknown figure in Washington, D.C. However, everything changed in April 1945 when Harry became president after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, making Bess the first lady. Unlike her predecessor, Eleanor Roosevelt, who was known for her long tenure and social activism, Bess took a different approach to the role. She avoided press conferences and often responded to questions with a simple "no comment." White House staff considered the Trumans to be a tight-knit family, referring to them as the "three musketeers." While Bess did not have a prominent public role as first lady, she was a key adviser to the president behind the scenes. President Truman himself acknowledged her influence, describing her as a "full partner" in his decisions. However, their daughter Margaret Truman later revealed that Bess sometimes felt excluded from important discussions.

In 1949, Bess Truman decided to renovate the White House instead of building a new one, despite it being the more expensive option. The Trumans lived in Blair House for three years while the White House underwent major reconstruction. When reporters asked for a tour in 1952, President Truman led the way, as Bess preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

After leaving the White House, the Trumans enjoyed a quiet life in Independence, focusing on family and friends rather than politics. Bess Truman was laid to rest next to her husband at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, with her epitaph simply stating her role as First Lady from 1945 to 1953.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology, her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouache, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.