Lucretia Rudolph Garfield; 1881

Born: 1832
Died: 1918

Lucretia Rudolph, nicknamed "Crete," grew up in a religious household. Her father was an Ohio farmer and part-time preacher for the Disciples of Christ Church. An excellent student, Crete attended college at the Disciples' "Ecletic Institute" where she met classmate James Garfield. Sharing an interest in literature and philosophy, the couple had a long and unsteady courtship before marrying in 1858. At first the marriage was shaky. Jim was away most of the time -- teaching, serving in the Union Army, then going to Congress. Crete was left to raise the children and later cope with the death of their three-year-old daughter. Resolved to strengthen their marriage, the Garfield's relocated their family to Washington in 1867. Over the next 14 years while Jim served in Congress, the couple grew increasingly close. They joined a literary society, read, dined and traveled together and enjoyed being home with their five children.

Just months after the Garfields moved into the White House, 49-year-old Crete contracted malaria. She was convalescing at the New Jersey shore when word came that the president had been shot. For three months, he vainly fought for life while Crete kept constant vigil by his bedside. She also attended his funeral, which no prior Presidential widow had done. The public admired her courage and raised $385,000 for her family's financial security.

Twentieth President
James A. Garfield