9 American First Ladies Who Weren’t Married to the President

3. Angelica Singleton Van Buren

There were several first ladies who were actually the president’s daughters-in-law. Cultured, graceful, and well-educated Angelica Singleton took over the responsibilities of the White House hostess in 1838, just a few weeks after marrying Abraham, the eldest son of widower President Martin Van Buren.

Despite being only 21 — she’s one of the youngest American first ladies — the South Carolina socialite showed great skills in fulfilling the role. She also repeatedly won praise for her elegant balls, teas, and dinner parties.

The Boston Post described Singleton as “universally admired”, but a blight on her tenure arose in 1840, when she came back from a tour in France and Britain and naively aimed at recreating some of Europe’s court rituals at the White House, including receiving guests of honor while seated on a platform.

Following a public backlash, Singleton would eventually abandon the courtly practice. However, this hasn’t stopped Van Buren’s critics from taking it as an example of extravagance.