Mary Margaret Truman Daniel The Life of a Presidents Daughter (1924 - )

Mary Margaret Truman Daniel

The Life of a President’s Daughter

(1924 - )

Beginnings• Mary Margaret was

born to Harry and Bess Truman on February 17, 1924.

• She was named after Harry’s sister, Mary Jane, but the family called her “Margie.”

Growing up• When Margaret was

born, Harry was still a county judge. He would become a senator when she was ten years old.

• As an only child, Margaret was doted on by the entire family.

Childhood Memories

• Margaret liked to play dress-up using old clothes and shoes stored in the attic.

• When she was eight, her parents gave her a Steinway piano for Christmas. She burst into tears because she had wanted an electric train.

Having Fun!• Margaret loved to go

with her parents to visit her Grandmother Truman at Grandview farm on Sundays for chicken dinner.

• The basement (she called it the Dungeon) at 219 Delaware was so big she could ride her bicycle in it!

Her Education• In 1934 when Harry was

elected to the Senate, Margaret attended private school in Washington, D.C. and then finished the year at a public school in Independence, Missouri.

• She graduated from high school in 1942 and went on to attend George Washington University.

“First Daughter Margaret”

President Truman and Margaret Truman voting.November 4, 1946

Harry and Bess: High Profile

Parents

Center Stage• Margaret, who had been

taking voice lessons since age sixteen, began making appearances on television and radio as a singer.

• When Paul Hume of the Washington Post wrote a review criticizing Margaret’s singing, President Truman threatened to punch him in the nose.

An Exchange of Vows

• Margaret married Clifton Daniel, editor of the New York Times, on April 21, 1956. She was thirty-two years old.

Motherhood• Margaret and

Clifton had four sons.

• They made their home in New York City, where she still lives.

Follow-up Questions• If you were the child of the President,

would you enjoy always being in the spotlight? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the attention you would receive as a public figure?

• If you were Margaret, what friendly advice would you give Harry about his job as President?

• What more would you like to know about Margaret?