Bess Truman Birthplace Historical Marker

Future First Lady Elizabeth Virginia Wallace, known later in life as “Bess Truman” was born to Margaret and David Wallace on February 13, 1885. Bess lived at this residence for only two years but continued to live in Independence, where she met her future husband and future 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. One of several presidential spouses who shaped the Presidency, Bess Truman was an accomplished political speech writer, senate aide, political and judicial consultant. Her story begins here at 117 Ruby Street, Independence, Missour, where she was born as the oldest of four. While Bess only lived at 117 Ruby until 1887, this residence is commemorated by a historical marker and is one of many sites in Independence related to the Truman presidency.

Bess Wallace's roots run deep in Independence. Her maternal grandfather was a prominent businessman and partner of the Waggoner-Gates Milling Company. Her father was a notable political figure who held several public offices, including County Treasurer and Deputy Surveyor of the United States Bureau of Customs Kansas City office. However, shortly after her birth, her father struggled to find consistent appointments, which caused financial strife and the family to move out of 117 Ruby Street. This financial spiral contributed to her father dying by suicide in 1903, two years after Bess graduated from Independence High School and while she attended finishing school in Kansas City. After her father's death, Bess, her mother, and three brothers moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to live with her maternal uncle for a year before returning to Independence, Missouri. The family lived at 219 Delaware with her grandparents. Bess elected to remain at home with her widowed mother and run the family household. 

In 1910, a young Harry Truman reconnected with Bess by returning a cake plate for his aunt and uncle, who lived across the street from the Wallace household. Harry and Bess were classmates and attended the same Sunday school for several years. This encounter sparked a nine-year courtship before Harry and Bess married after Harry’s return from the military in 1919. On February 17, 1924, Harry and Bess welcomed their only child, Margaret (“Margie”), into the world after two prior miscarriages. 

Together, Harry and Bess worked as a partnership in every professional venture. Bess used her intelligence, competitive spirit garnished from years of sports, and social awareness to assist Harry in his haberdashery business and roles as a judge, senator, vice-president, and president. In the political arena, Bess edited and wrote Harry’s speeches and was a sound advisor. Controversy emerged when Bess was placed on Harry’s senatorial payroll. However, Harry defended Bess, stating: "She earns every cent of it. I never make a speech without going over it with her, and I never make a decision unless she is in on it." (First Lady Biography: Bess Truman)

Bess’s counsel continued throughout Harry’s political career, including up to his presidency. When they were apart, Harry wrote Bess letters containing political insight, assessments, and affections. When they were together, Bess and Harry would spend two hours a night reviewing speeches, schedules, and policy decisions. Some of her most impactful and critical counseling regarded her military advice. This included her consultation, strategy, and approval of the United States dropping the atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan; strategy, clarification, and speechwriting related to the Truman Doctrine; and approval and encouragement of committing American troops to the Korean conflict. 

Bess feared public judgment and operated primarily in the background of Harry’s presidency. Despite never wanting to be in the limelight, she supported Harry’s election by traveling with him on the campaign trail. At the end of his speeches, he would introduce Bess as “the Boss” and their daughter Margie as “the Boss’ Boss.” Harry, Bess, and Margie were affectionately referred to as the three-musketeers by White House staff. 

While eligible to run for a secondary presidential term, Harry declined to do so and returned to Independence with Bess. Both Harry and Bess remained in Independence until their deaths in 1972 and 1982, respectively. While 117 Ruby played a small role in Bess’ life, it was the beginning of a ninety-seven-year journey of this First Lady who changed the course of history with her judicial, political, and military strategy, insight, and counseling. 

“Bess Truman: Life in the Spotlight.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, home.nps.gov/hstr/learn/historyculture/bess-truman-life-in-the-spotlight.htm. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. 

“Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Harry S. Truman.” Harry S. Truman, Truman Library, www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/trivia/biographical-sketch-bess-truman. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023. 

“First Lady Biography: Bess Truman.” National First Ladies’ Library, archive.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=34. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023. 

National Park Services. “National Registry of Historic Places Nomination.” United States Department of Interior, 31 May 1985, https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/Harry%20S%20Truman%20National%20Historic%20Site.pdf. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.