Nothing Can “Allay my anxiety and grief,” Says President Benjamin Harrison, As His Wife Lay Dying in the White House

She also introduced the custom of using orchids as the official floral decoration at state receptions. A talented artist herself, she conducted china-painting classes in the White House. She served as the first president-general of the Daughters of the American Revolution and worked for charities, as well. With other ladies of progressive views, she helped raise funds for the Johns Hopkins University Medical School on condition that it admit women.

Such expressions, while they cannot allay my anxiety and grief, are highly appreciated as an evidence of the respect and helpful interest of a body of Christian ministers.

In late 1891, however, she contracted tuberculosis. At first, Mrs. Harrison tried to continue to fulfill her social obligations; but after her condition worsened, she traveled to spend the summer of 1892 in the Adirondack Mountains, in what had become an increasingly forlorn attempt to fight the disease. In September, at her request, the President brought her home to the White House. At that time President Harrison was in the midst of his 1892 reelection bid, but Mrs. Harrison’s deteriorating condition was foremost on his mind.

Many sent words of sympathy and prayer. Letter Signed as President, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, September 27, 1892, to Reverend Ninde in New York. “I have received the very kind telegram signed by yourself and Mr. Moore, and expressing the prayerful sympathy of a conference of Methodist preachers assembled at Rushville in view of the serious illness of Mrs. Harrison. I beg most sincerely to thank you and your associates. Such expressions, while they cannot allay my anxiety and grief, are highly appreciated as an evidence of the respect and helpful interest of a body of Christian ministers.” The recipient, Reverend William X. Ninde, taught theology at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois from 1873 to 1876 and also served as the school’s president from 1879 until 1884, when he was elected Bishop. As bishop, Ninde traveled widely and was a member of the 1881 and 1891 pan-Methodist ecumenical conferences.

In October, Mrs. Harrison lapsed into semi-consciousness. When her husband asked if there was anything they could do, she smiled and said, “No, dear.” She died on October 25, 1892. Exactly two weeks later, Harrison lost his run for reelection to Grover Cleveland.