Ida Saxton McKinley

Friday, January 5, 2007

Ida Saxon McKinley’s home is now the location of the First Ladies Library.

1. Where was she born?

Canton, Ohio on June 8, 1847

2. Did she have any formal education? Where?

Miss Sanford’s School, Cleveland Ohio

Brooke Hall Female Seminary, Media, Pennsylvania, founded in 1856

3. Did she have any hobbies?

She loved to do charity work, and help other people

4. When was her husband president Years of service.

1896-1900

5. Name a few things she did as first lady.

While confined to the private Quarters, she worked on her unique contribution to local and national charities that she supported: herself knitting bedroom slippers that were auctioned for large sums.

6. Did she write any books? If so, what are they named? No

7. Was there a wedding at the White House? No

8. Was she involved in any charity? Yes.

9. What is something unique about her life?

Ida McKinley suffered from epilepsy. She was often medicated with sedatives. Some days she would be well enough to speak and meet with political figures, and other times, she would be too sick. Her daughters, Ida and Katie had died when they were only 4 months old.

Ida was a working woman who started as a teller in a bank that was owned by her fater.