Arthur Administration - Family Life
Family Life
On October 25, 1859, Chester Arthur married Ellen "Nell" Lewis Herndon in New York City. Ellen Herndon's father was a naval officer. Her mother came from Virginia. The Arthurs had three children; William Lewis who died at age four, Chester Alan, and Ellen Herndon. The Arthurs were known to have a strong marriage, but one that was strained by Arthur's absences due to his American Civil War (1861–65) service and later his political activities. Despite their problems, Arthur was inconsolable when his wife contracted pneumonia and died in 1880. Arthur always regretted that his wife did not live to see him become president. Arthur's sister, Mrs. Mary McElroy, served as his official hostess in the White House during his administration.
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