Facts about Mary Harrison McKee: Fact Sheet of Mary Harrison McKee Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Mary Harrison McKee, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Mary Harrison McKee: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Mary Harrison McKee assumed the position of First Lady to President Benjamin Harrison. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included establishing closer ties between the United States and Latin America and the introduction of anti monopoly laws. Facts about Mary Harrison McKee: Her Nickname or Pet Name "Marnie" Facts and Info: This First Lady's full name was Mary Scott Harrison McKee but she was called by the pet name "Marnie" by her family, friends and husband. Facts about Mary Harrison McKee: The Life of Mary Harrison McKee Facts and Info: Mary Scott Harrison McKee was born on on April 3, 1858 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the only daughter of President Benjamin Harrison and his wife Caroline. Mary was well educated in public schools and when her father was made President, Mary, and her family moved into the White House with her parents on March 4, 1889. Mary Harrison McKee had married James Robert McKee in November 1884 and the couple had 2 children, Benjamin McKee (known as Baby) and Mary Lodge McKee. Her mother had always suffered with respiratory problems and Mary McKee helped her with the duties of First Lady, helping to organize White House Parties and social events. A niece of Caroline called Mary Scott Lord Dimmick, acted as her secretary and was also asked to help Caroline with her social duties. Mary Scott Lord Dimmick moved into the White House in 1889. Caroline Harrison contracted tuberculosis and died in the White House on October 25, 1892. President Benjamin Harrison asked his daughter to assume the duties of First Lady for the remainder of his term. His term in office ended on March 4, 1893, only 5 months after the death of his wife. The Harrison family moved out of the White House. Facts about Mary Harrison McKee: The Family estrangement Facts and Info: Mary McKee returned to family life with her husband who became a founding member of the General Electric company. Following his wife's death former President Benjamin Harrison became romantically involved with Mary Scott Lord Dimmick. As a widower, her father became romantically involved with his late wife's niece and secretary, the young widow Mary Lord Dimmick. She was 25 years younger than Benjamin Harrison, and Mary McKee and her brother vehemently opposed their father's relationship. The former president and Mrs. Dimmick announced their engagement late in 1895. Mary McKee and her brother were horrified at their 62 year old father's intention to marry Mary Lord Dimmick, who was only 37 years old. The family became estranged and neither Mary Harrison McKee nor her brother attended the wedding of their father on April 6, 1896 at St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City. Mary McKee never spoke to her father again. Former President Benjamin Harrison contracted pneumonia at the age of 67. Mary Harrison McKee returned to Indianapolis to see her father, but arrived several hours after his death on March 13, 1901. |