Eliza McCardle Johnson

Eliza McCardle Johnson, née McCardle, was born in Greeneville, Tennessee, on October 4, 1810. She was the only child of John McCardle, a cobbler and innkeeper, and Sarah Phillips. Following her father's death, her family moved to Warrensburg, Tennessee, before returning to Greeneville. Raised by her widowed mother, McCardle received a basic education and attended the Rhea Academy in Greenville.

In September 1826, her family moved to Greeneville, where she met Andrew Johnson, a tailor's apprentice. They began courting shortly after their initial meeting, and they married on May 17, 1827. McCardle was 16 years old at the time, making her the youngest person to marry among the first ladies of the United States. Their marriage was officiated by Mordecai Lincoln, a first cousin once removed of Abraham Lincoln.

After their marriage, the couple moved into a small residence that included a tailor shop. McCardle contributed to her husband's education and development, supporting his literacy and oratorical skills. Together, they had five children: Martha (born 1828), Charles (born 1830), Mary (born 1832), Robert (born 1834), and Frank (born 1852). During this period, their household expanded to include enslaved individuals, although her personal views on slavery are not documented.

McCardle actively encouraged her husband's pursuit of political office, supporting his early career and assisting in his education and public speaking skills. As Johnson advanced in political ranks, she generally managed household affairs and avoided the social duties expected of wives of politicians. She was responsible for household management, including finances and investments.

During the antebellum years, her health was affected by tuberculosis, which fluctuated over her lifetime. She traveled with her family in 1860 to Washington, D.C., where she remained until the outbreak of the Civil War the following year. During the Civil War, she became an advocate for Unionists residing in the Confederacy but was displaced from her home during Confederate occupation. She moved to her daughter Mary’s farm in 1862 after Confederate forces captured her home, and she made her way to Nashville, Tennessee, where her husband was serving as a senator.

Her health continued to decline, and she experienced significant hardship during the war, including harrowing journeys through Confederate lines and the loss of her eldest son, Charles, in 1863. Her husband was sworn in as Vice President of the United States in March 1865, but he assumed the presidency the following month after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

Johnson arrived in Washington, D.C., for her role as First Lady on August 6, 1865. Due to her health, she was largely confined to her bedroom during her tenure as First Lady, delegating social responsibilities to her daughter Martha Johnson Patterson. She made only two public appearances in this role, a celebration for Queen Emma of Hawaii in 1866 and a birthday ball in 1868. Her activities at the White House included sewing, reading, and engaging with her family, with minimal involvement in political events.

While in the White House, Johnson maintained a close relationship with her husband, providing advice and assistance with speeches. She monitored media coverage of his presidency, clipping stories for him and influencing his public image. She also engaged in charitable work, contributing to orphanages in Baltimore and Charleston, and traveled domestically to cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia in 1867.

Johnson's health remained delicate throughout her life. She died on January 15, 1876, six months after her husband’s death, and was buried beside him in Greeneville, Tennessee.