Title: Watercolor Portrait of Ida Saxton McKinley

Description: As first lady, Ida Saxton McKinley remained as active as possible despite her epilepsy. She received guests at receptions seated, and was placed next to President McKinley at State Dinners. If she had a seizure, he would cover her face with a napkin or handkerchief until it passed. While at the White House, Mrs. McKinley knitted over 3,500 pairs of slippers for children and ladies for charity and sent numerous bouquets of flowers along with a brief note to those on which she was unable to call.

Date: 1899

Creator: Emily Drayton Taylor

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)