First Ladies of the United States: Lucretia Garfield

What began as a marriage in November 1858 “based on the cold stern word duty,” turned into a 19th century love story.

Lucretia (Crete) Rudolph was born on April 19, 1832, in Garrettsville, Ohio, to Zebulon and Arabella Mason Rudolph. Sickly as a child, she was an avid reader. In 1850, she entered Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, and she pursued a career in teaching upon graduation.

Lucretia "Crete" Rudolph Garfield was well educated and shared her love of learning with others. She graduated from the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute in Hiram, Ohio, as did her husband. She also taught school and was a member of a Washington, D.C., literary club.

Lucretia Rudolph was born on her father’s farm in Garrettsville, Ohio on April 19, 1832 – the oldest of four children to Zeb and Arabella Mason Rudolph.