Truman's Family Life

Truman, his mother in law (far left), and sister in law (directly next to him)

Harry Truman was seen as a president who was incredibly relatable to the average American. While initially unpopular, his campaign during the 1948 election further revealed himself as a man who was relatable to the general American public. Most president or politicians (and still today) are concerned about their public image and prefer to exude one of confidence and stature. In fact, some say that politicians have two faces, one that they show in private and the other to the public. Truman, on the other hand, had little regard to put on a facade, making it obvious of his love of card games and bourbon. Truman was also a man who upheld family values throughout his entire life despite the extreme disapproval he faced form his mother in law.

Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri to John Truman and Martha Ellen Truman. Truman's father was a farmer who died in 1914 but his mother lived long enough to see Truman succeed Roosevelt. Truman and his mother were especially close, Truman frequently wrote to her about personal matters and political matter. Martha Ellen had always had an interest in politics which some historians say sparked Truman's engagement in it. She was a "devoted Democrat" and in 1944, she chaired the first meeting of the Female Women Workers for Truman's campaign as vice president of the United States.

Truman was also close with his two younger siblings, Mary and John. While not much is known about them, Mary did live with her mother and never was married. John, Truman's younger brother, became district director of the Federal Housing Administration which was instrumental for Truman's when he ran to become Missouri's senator in 1935. Truman was able to consult with Vivian about various policies and decisions that would impact the Missourians.

Truman had one daughter, Margaret whom he was known to be incredibly protective of. After college, Margaret became a vocalist with surprising promise but not without facing harsh critics. For the most part, Truman ignored the reviews until December 1950 when he was in an especially sour mood. During this time, the Korean War was reaching its peak and was incredibly harsh on the president. Truman read a poor review of one of Margaret's performance by a critic from the Washington Post to which the president responded "Someday I hope to meet you. When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below!". Margaret eventually abandoned her singing career and married the New York newspaper editor, Clifton Daniel.

Truman had known his wife Bess Wallace since they were children and claimed to be absolutely in love with her since then. On the opposite side of the spectrum was his mother in law who made it apparent her dislike of Truman, particularly because of his inability to keep a job and his background of his father being a farmer. Madge Wallace only referred to the president as "Mr. Truman" and often questioned him as being a worthy president, criticizing any of the political choices he made, right to his face. In 1948, she was especially obvious that she admired Thomas Dewey and when Truman fired Douglas MacArthur, she questioned Truman's morals. While Truman was known to be short-tempered, he held in his anger for his mother in law. While their relationship was on rocky terms, Madge Wallace and it was said that she couldn't stand to look at Truman, she still stayed in the White House until her death.

Truman's family life seems not that much different to most Americans. A protective father, a loving husband, a "mama's" boy. Even so, Truman's regimented routine at the White House also made him more appealing to American votes. Every day, he woke up at five, took a walk around the White House wearing a business suit, had a bourbon with his breakfast, lunch with his wife, swam in the afternoon, and played poker with his friends on the weekend.

By seeing Truman's personal life, it normalizes him and puts him in perspective despite his position of power.


Sources:
https://millercenter.org/president/truman/life-before-the-presidency
https://millercenter.org/president/truman/family-life
https://www.biography.com/people/harry-s-truman-9511121
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/09/upshot/harry-trumans-formidable-mother-in-law.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/06/archives/mary-jane-truman-presidents-sister-89yearold-managed-family-farm.html