Rachel Jackson

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Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson.

Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson, born Rachel Donelson (June 15, 1767 – December 22, 1828) wife to the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson.

Rachel Donelson was the daughter of the explorer and adventurer John Donelson, co-founder of Nashville, Tennessee and Rachel Stockley.[1]

When she was 17 years old she married Captain Lewis Robards of a prominent Mercer County, Kentucky family. His unreasoned jealousy, though, made him impossible for her to live with and they separated in 1790. Later, Robards told her that he had filed for divorce and the divorce was final. Trusting him, she married Andrew Jackson. Two years later, however, it was discovered that the divorce had not been finalized, making her marriage to Jackson invalid. She and Jackson re-married in 1794.

Andrew Jackson was devoted to his wife Rachel. He fought 13 duels to protect her honor, and even killed one opponent, Charles Dickinson. On 1 October, 1803 he challenged John "Nolichucky Jack" Sevier (the first governor of Tennessee) to a duel after Sevier had dishonoured Rachel by saying "I know of no services you have rendered to this country other than taking a trip to Natchez with another man's wife!".

During the 1828 presidential campaign, the press found out about the premature marriage, and accused Rachel of adultery, attacking her mercilessly. She died of a heart attack on December 22, 1828, two weeks after her husband's victory in the election, but prior to his inauguration. Over 10,000 people attended her funeral. Rachel Jackson was buried on Christmas Eve in her white inauguration gown.