January 1: Marriage of James K. Polk and Sarah Childress (1824)
Prayer Idea
Pray that marriages in your family and in our country stay strong.
History Note
On New Year’s Day in 1824, James K. Polk married Sarah Childress at her family home near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The couple had known each other for several years. James was a lawyer serving in the Tennessee state legislature. Sarah was a well-educated woman from a prominent Middle Tennessee family.
James and Sarah Polk shared a close relationship as husband and wife. During James’ political career in Tennessee and Washington, D.C., Sarah served as his secretary. She gave him political advice and helped him with his speeches. While James K. Polk served as president (1845-1849), Sarah established the regular practice of the Marine Band playing “Hail to the Chief” when the president enters a room.
James K. Polk died of cholera at age 53, a few months after leaving the White House in 1849. After 25 years of marriage, Sarah Polk was a widow for 42 years until her death at age 87 in 1891. She always wore black to remember and mourn her husband. The Polks are buried together on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol.
This 1848 daguerreotype shows President and First Lady Polk in the center with a group at the White House.
Learn More
Watch a video about the Polks created at the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, in Columbia, Tennessee.
Visit Homeschool History for more resources about James and Sarah Polk.
