Eliza Johnson was the first lady of the United States from 1865 to 1869 as the wife of President Andrew Johnson. She also served as the second lady of the United States March 1865 until April 1865 when her husband was vice president. Johnson was relatively inactive as first lady, and she stayed out of public attention for the duration of her husband's presidency. She was the youngest first lady to wed, doing so at the age of 16.
Official portrait, as engraved 1883
Locket image of Eliza McCardle Johnson, possibly created c. 1840; the locket was in the possession of great-granddaughter Margaret Johnson Patterson Bartlett (1903–1992) as of 1972, its current whereabouts are unclear
Andrew Johnson was an American politician who served as the 17th president of the United States from 1865 to 1869. He assumed the presidency following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, as he was vice president at that time. Johnson was a Democrat who ran with Abraham Lincoln on the National Union Party ticket, coming to office as the Civil War concluded. He favored quick restoration of the seceded states to the Union without protection for the newly freed people who were formerly enslaved. This led to conflict with the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. He was acquitted in the Senate by one vote.
Portrait c. 1870–1875
Johnson's birthplace and childhood home, located at the Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh, North Carolina
"Andrew Johnson's Indenture" (Asheville News, August 20, 1869, Page 4)
Locket portraits of Andrew and Eliza (McCardle) Johnson, created 1840s
