LOIS IRENE KIMSEY MARSHALL - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 140342

LOIS IRENE KIMSEY MARSHAL
United States "Second Lady" sends letter of thanks for birthday roses, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "Lois K. Marshall" in black ink. 1 page, front and verso, 5¼x6¾ folded, 10½x6¾ flat. In full: "My dear Mr. Barrett:/Please accept my thanks for the roses. I am going to continue to have Birthdays as long as I have so many kind friends. Women are so foolish but I am sure they would not be if they all had as happy birthdays as I have. Thanking you both for the flowers and for your thought of me I am Sincerely Yours". Lois Irene Kimsey Marshall (1873-1958) was best known as the wife of Woodrow Wilson's Vice President Thomas R. Marshall (19 years her senior), and was unofficially titled the Second Lady of the United States. Marshall is remembered for her charitable activities in Washington, particularly her experience with the Diet Kitchen Welfare Center. It was there in 1917 that she became acquainted with a mother of newborn twins, one who was chronically ill whose parents are unable to get adequate treatment; Marshall offered to take the baby to help him find treatment, and although they never adopted him due to political appearances, the baby was often referred to with the Marshall's last name, and lived with them for the rest of his life before he died in 1920. Marshall also served as the First Lady of Indiana during her husband's Governorship from 1909 to 1913. Toned. Toned adhesive stain in top margin. Normal mailing folds. Corners rounded. Slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.