Research Guides: First Ladies of the United States: Bess Truman

Research and Reference

Bess Truman: Credo Reference
Elizabeth Virginia (Bess) Wallace was born in Independence, Missouri, on February 13, 1885, to David Willock and Margaret Gates Wallace. While her mother's family was wealthy, her father's employment was spotty, and Bess was keenly aware of the tensions created by her mother's expectations and her father's failure to provide. As a child, Bess was athletic, personable, and exuded self-confidence. She was an excellent student, but her life was irrevocably changed when her father committed suicide in 1903. In shame, Margaret Gates moved the family to the Gates family mansion in Independence.
Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman: White House
Elizabeth Virginia “Bess” Truman was the wife of Harry S. Truman and First Lady of the United States from 1945 to 1953. She served as her husband’s secretary and was known for often voicing her opinions.
Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Harry S. Truman
Mrs. Harry S. Truman, wife of the 33rd President of the United States, was born on February 13, 1885, at 117 West Ruby Street in Independence, Missouri. The oldest child of David Willock Wallace and Madge Gates Wallace, she was christened Elizabeth Virginia, but throughout her life was called Bess. Her father held several public offices, including County Treasurer, and was Deputy Surveyor in the Kansas City office of the United States Bureau of Customs at the time of his death in 1903.
Bess Truman Collection
The Bess Truman Collection consists of documents related to Mrs. Bess Wallace Truman that were provided by various donors. The collection consists mostly of correspondence between Mrs. Truman and her friends and acquaintances but also includes documents related to Mrs. Truman’s childhood and family.

Portraits & Perspectives

Truman, Bess

Bess Truman

Harris & Ewing Collection/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (reproduction no. LC-USZ62-25813)

Once again available is the critically acclaimed "Dear Bess, " a collection of more than 600 letters that Harry S. Truman wrote to his beloved wife, Bess, from 1910 to 1959. Selected from 1,268 letters discovered in Bess's house after her death in 1982, this extraordinary collection provides an inside look at Truman's life, his thoughts, and his dreams.

Bess W. Truman

1994 Eastern National Park & Monument Association trade paperback, 3rd printing. Margaret Truman (Women of Courage). Drawing on her personal reminiscences and her parents' voluminous correspondence, the author offers an intimate portrait of her reticent mother.