The State Historical Society of Missouri
Famous Missouri First Ladies
Bess Truman (1885 – 1982)
Elizabeth "Bess" Virginia Wallace
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Elizabeth "Bess" Virginia Wallace was born in Independence, Missouri, on February 13, 1885. She was the daughter of David Willock Wallace and Margaret Elizabeth Gates. Bess Wallace and Harry Truman were childhood friends. After graduating from high school, Bess attended Miss Barstow's Finishing School for Girls in Kansas City. She married Truman on June 28, 1919. They had one child, Mary Margaret.
Mrs. Harry S. Truman
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As first lady, Bess went with Harry to the White House, though she often returned to live in Independence with her mother and daughter. After the presidency, Bess returned with Harry to Independence, and the couple lived in her childhood home at 219 North Delaware. She died at the age of ninety-seven on October 18, 1982.
