Background
Mary Arthur was born in Greenwich, New York to William and Malvina S. Arthur.
First Lady of the United States politician
Mary Arthur was born in Greenwich, New York to William and Malvina S. Arthur.
She attended the Emma Willard School Seminary in Troy, New York and later married insurance salesman John McElroy.
She assumed the role because "s wife, Ellen Lewis Herndon, had died two years earlier. She was the last of nine children. They lived in Albany, New York and had four children.
In November 1880, Mary"s brother Chester was elected vice president
In July 1881, President James Garfield was fatally wounded and died on September 19, 1881. only during the busy winter social season. Although never officially granted her the protocol of a formal position, she proved to be a popular and competent hostess.
McElroy presided over a number of events and honored former First Ladies Julia Tyler and Harriet Lane, James Buchanan"s niece and social hostess, by asking them to help her receive guests at the White House. McElroy"s oldest daughter May and "s daughter Nell often assisted.
She died at the age of 75 in Albany, New York and was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery.
She was a member of the Albany Association Opposed to Women"s Suffrage.