Okay. this could get long.
Mary Taylor was Zachory Taylor's daughter, and the Hostess of the White House during her father's short presidency. She was known as Mary Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Betty Taylor, and Miss Betty Taylor. She married twice, adding Bliss to her last name, then later on Dandridge. She had no children from either marriage.
I need her signature! Here's why: twenty years ago, my dad discovered a real antique (1848) print of The First Prayer in Congress. It was printed off a Steel engraving, and hand painted (colored in) by M.B. Taylor. The signature on the back looks feminine.
This print has been authenticated as from the correct time period, and in a very nice gold plated frame. It was discovered in an old shed in the small town of Patterson, CA, which is near to San Jose (the capital of California at the time)
Zachory Taylor's pet project was California, and we believe that the print was painted in (painting was a popular activity for young ladies then) by Mary Taylor and meant to be a birthday present to welcome the brand new state of California. President Taylor died suddenly, and that could be the reason that this possible treasure was misplaced perhaps before making it to the Capital.
I grew up on this legend. I'm 29 now, and have been hearing my dad talk about this for my whole life. Maybe he's crazy... hey, sure it's possible! But if we could get ahold of her siggie all would be solved!
So there it is... I've tried the Library of Congress and white house archives, but I admit I got overwhelmed. If she was the hostess, wouldn't she have had to sign for items, or sign letters and invitations? Its crazy to me that there is such a small amount of info on her.
well thats all for now. Thanks a million if you read this whole monster!