Celebrating Incredible Women of Culpeper, VA – Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur
March 24, 2025 Things to Do
This month’s final spotlight in our Incredible Women of Culpeper series is Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur.
Ellen Lewis Herndon (Nell) was born August 30, 1937 in Culpeper, VA. Her parents were William Lewis Herndon and Frances Elizabeth Hansbrough. Her father was a naval officer on the mail steamer, The SS Central America. In 1857, her father gained national attention when he went down with his ship. Ellen was raised and educated in Washington, D.C., until 1856, when her father relocated the family to New York City. This is where she met future president Chester A. Arthur. After a short courtship, they were married in 1859. Ellen was a member of the Mendelssohn Glee Club and performed at benefits around New York City. They had three children, with only two surviving to adulthood. Her husband was elected Vice President in November 1880 and became president in September 1881 when President James A. Garfield was assassinated. Ellen never saw her husband in office as she passed away on January 12, 1880. She is buried in Albany, NY.
Source: Wikipedia
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