A popular legend held that Margaret Taylor took a vow during the Mexican War (1846-48). She supposedly pledged that if her husband Zachary Taylor (1784-1850; see entry in volume 2) should return safely, she would withdraw from society. Her husband did return safely. His heroism in the war made him a national figure, and he was elected president in 1848. "Peggy" Taylor kept her vow. She undertook few duties as first lady, probably because her age was advanced and her health delicate after many years as a military wife.

The life of a military wife

Peggy Taylor was born in Calvert County, Maryland, the daughter of Revolutionary War veteran Walter Smith and his wife, Ann Mackall. Peggy grew up in comfortable and genteel surroundings. She was educated in the manner of young ladies of her time. In 1809, the twenty-one-year-old Peggy traveled to Kentucky to visit her sister. There...