Part of the American History & Genealogy Project

Ida Saxton McKinley 1847 ~ 1907

Ida Saxton McKinley

The wife of President McKinley was born Ida Saxton on the 8th of June, 1847, in Canton, Ohio. Her father died just as she was entering upon her young womanhood; her mother having died when she was but a child. She was therefore, early left an orphan, and lived with her sister. It was decided that she should go abroad as a diversion from the grief over the death of her father. Soon after her return, on January 25, 1871, she was married to Major William McKinley, then a rising lawyer and statesman of the town of Canton, Ohio. She had been delicate from her childhood and after the death of the two children born to her she became a confirmed invalid. The world has long since read of the matchless tenderness and devotion and thoughtfulness of her husband, who was rapidly promoted from one high position to another. She greatly appreciated the attention bestowed upon her but the story of her resignation, gentleness and beautiful character can never be told. Her most charming characteristic was her perfect sincerity and thoughtfulness for others.

President McKinley had been a member of Congress for fourteen years, Governor of the state of Ohio, and constantly occupied with public affairs before he was nominated for the Presidency of the United States.

Through all of these positions Mrs. McKinley had caused herself to be beloved on account of her amiability, patience and devotion to her husband and those who ministered to her wants. She was never able to do what she desired in the White House, yet the effort she made was quite remarkable, in the face of her invalidism. The whole world was deeply touched by her sufferings when she was informed of the tragic death of her husband, and no one expected that she would survive as long as she did her husband's loss.

Mrs. McKinley died in 1907, and her remains were placed beside those of her illustrious husband in the magnificent monument built by the Nation to perpetuate his memory.

Women of America

Source: The Part Taken by Women in American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.