Emily Donelson

Emily Tennessee Donelson (June 1, 1807 – December 19, 1836) was a notable figure in early 19th-century American history, serving as acting First Lady of the United States from 1829 to 1834 during the presidency of her uncle, Andrew Jackson. She was born in Donelson, Tennessee, as the thirteenth child of Mary Purnell (1763–1848) and John Donelson (1755–1830). Her family was closely connected to the Jackson family through her mother, who was the sister of Rachel Donelson Jackson, Andrew Jackson’s wife.

As a child, Donelson attended a log house school in Nashville. Her early formative years were spent in rural Tennessee amidst the military and political activities of her family, which included her uncle Andrew Jackson's prominence as a general during the War of 1812 and notably the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. At age 13, she began her education at the Nashville Female Academy, receiving an education exceeding the common standards for women of that era, although she later left due to health issues.

In early adulthood, Donelson engaged in courtship with Andrew Jackson Donelson, her first cousin, and they married on September 16, 1824, at the age of 17, in a Presbyterian ceremony held at the Hermitage. Her marriage to Andrew Jackson Donelson, who later served as Jackson’s secretary, produced four children: Andrew Jackson Donelson Jr. (1826–1859), Mary Emily Donelson (1829–1905), John Samuel Donelson (1832–1863), and Rachel Jackson Donelson (1834–1888). All four children had connections with presidential figures as godparents.

Following her marriage, Donelson traveled with her husband to Washington, D.C., where she became immersed in diplomatic and social circles. The couple returned to Tennessee in early 1825, but they moved back to Washington after Andrew Jackson was elected President in 1828. Donelson took on the role of White House hostess following the death of Rachel Jackson shortly before Jackson’s inauguration. She was responsible for social functions in the White House throughout Jackson’s presidency and was recognized for her kindness and proficiency in social manners, despite lacking formal training in etiquette.

During her tenure as acting First Lady, Donelson's relationship with President Jackson was eventually strained by the Petticoat affair, a social scandal involving Peggy Eaton. Donelson’s refusal to publicly associate with Peggy Eaton led to tensions with Jackson, whose opinions and personal relationships were significantly affected by the controversy. The fallout from the Petticoat affair caused Donelson and her family to distance themselves from the administration temporarily, with Donelson returning to her family’s home at the Hermitage for a period.

She resumed her role as White House hostess in early 1831 but continued to experience health problems, including tuberculosis. She had health setbacks that led her to withdraw from public duties, and she spent her remaining years at her family residence. Emily Tennessee Donelson died at the age of 29 on December 19, 1836, as a result of tuberculosis. She holds the distinction of being the first First Lady born after the Declaration of Independence and the first born in the 19th century.