Frances Cleveland

Frances Clara Cleveland Preston (née Folsom, born July 21, 1864 – October 29, 1947) was an American historical figure who served as the First Lady of the United States during two nonconsecutive terms, from 1886 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897, as the wife of President Grover Cleveland. She was the youngest woman to serve as First Lady and the first to marry the sitting president.

**Early Life and Family Background**

Frances Clare Folsom was born in Buffalo, New York, as the first child of Emma (née Harmon) and Oscar Folsom. She had one sibling, Nellie Augusta, who died in infancy in 1872. Her father was a lawyer and a law partner of Grover Cleveland. Folsom and Cleveland first met when she was an infant; Cleveland was a close family friend and played a significant role in her early life. Following her father's death in a carriage accident on July 23, 1875, Cleveland became the executor of the Folsom estate, settling family debts and ensuring her well-being.

**Education**

Folsom attended Madame Brecker’s French Kindergarten and Miss Bissell’s School for Young Ladies in Buffalo. At age 14, she became a member of the Presbyterian Church. She left Central High School in Buffalo in October 1881 before completing her studies. Through Cleveland's influence as mayor of Buffalo, she was able to attend Wells College in Aurora, New York, where she entered as a sophomore. At Wells, she developed interests in photography and political science and participated in the debate club Phoenix Society.

**Relationship with Grover Cleveland**

Cleveland and Folsom maintained that correspondence during her time at college. Cleveland, who was then governor of New York, visited her and sent her flowers. Cleveland proposed marriage by letter in August 1885. After accepting, Folsom and her mother traveled abroad for a year before returning to the United States. Their relationship garnered media speculation, especially after their secret engagement and subsequent return to the US, leading to the official announcement of their marriage.

**Marriage and Role as First Lady**

The wedding took place on June 2, 1886, in the Blue Room of the White House with only 31 guests present to maintain privacy. Frances Cleveland was 21 years old, and President Cleveland was 49. The couple initially resided in their private home, "Red Top," to avoid the media intrusion typical of the era. As First Lady, she gained widespread popularity and was the youngest to hold the position. She was active in social functions, hosting events to accommodate the public and engaged with White House staff and the press.

**Public Life and Activities**

During her first term, Cleveland maintained close connections with Wells College, serving on its board of trustees in 1887, and was involved in efforts to promote women's education and social causes. After Cleveland’s electoral loss in 1888, they withdrew from public life for four years, during which they had multiple children, four of whom survived to adulthood.

**Second Term and Later Life**

When Cleveland was re-elected in 1892, Frances Joseph Cleveland resumed her role as First Lady, prioritizing her children’s care during this period. After Grover Cleveland's death in 1908, Frances married Thomas J. Preston Jr. in 1913. She continued her work in education activism, serving on Princeton University's advisory committees and supporting the construction of kindergartens.

**Advocacy and Public Engagement**

During World War I, she advocated for military preparedness, aligning with national efforts during the period. She remained active in societal issues related to education and public service throughout her later years.

**Death and Burial**

Frances Cleveland Preston died on October 29, 1947. She was interred alongside her first husband in Princeton Cemetery.