Ida’s father was a rich banker. Ida had one younger sister. She had a formal education. She traveled in Europe. Ida liked math and finance. She worked in her father’s bank. She met William McKinley there.

Ida married William in 1871. They had two daughters. Both daughters died at very young ages. They never had another child. Ida and William were very sad. Ida became ill. She rarely left home.

The McKinley White House was quiet. Little was known about the First Lady. There were many rumors. Today we know she had a disease called epilepsy. It caused her to have fits. The medicine that she took made her seem dull and dreary.

As president, William worked hard to do his job and care for Ida. They were never apart for more than a few hours. Ida attended his meetings. She sat in a rocking chair. As she listened, she crocheted. Over time, Ida made thousands of pairs of slippers.

Ida was not interested in White House parties. Her husband planned the parties. Ida did enjoy music. She invited singers and musicians to perform at the White House.

McKinley was shot in 1901. He died in office. Ida’s younger sister cared for her after William’s death.