#46: Sarah Yorke Jackson

Sarah Yorke Jackson, daughter-in-law of President Andrew Jackson, played a unique role during his presidency. Following the death of Jackson’s wife, Sarah, along with Jackson’s niece Emily Donelson, assumed the responsibilities of White House hostesses. This unusual arrangement marked the first and only instance in history where two women jointly served in this capacity.

While some accounts suggest a degree of awkwardness, the two women managed to work together seamlessly. Eventually, Sarah Yorke Jackson took on the role entirely, as Emily Donelson fell ill with tuberculosis and tragically passed away in 1836.