Rachel Jackson

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Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson.

Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson (June 15, 1767 – December 22, 1828) was the wife of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. Prior to her marriage to Jackson, when she was 17 years old, she had married Captain Lewis Robards of a prominent Mercer County, Kentucky family. His unreasoned jealousy, though, made him impossible for her to live with and they separated in 1790. Later Robards told her that he had filed for divorce and the divorce was final. Trusting him, she married Jackson. Two years later, however, it was discovered that the divorce had not been finalized, making her marriage to Jackson invalid. She and Jackson re-married in 1794. Jackson was devoted to his wife. To defend her honor, he fought a duel in which he killed Charles Dickinson.

During the 1828 presidential campaign, the press found out about the premature marriage, and accused Rachel of adultery, attacking her mercilessly. She died of a heart attack on December 22, 1828, two weeks after her husband's victory in the election. Over 10,000 people attended her funeral. Jackson was buried on Christmas Eve in her white inauguration gown. She never had the opportunity to serve as first lady.

Rachel was the daughter of the explorer and adventurer John Donelson, co-founder of Nashville, Tennessee and Rachel Stockley.[1]