The Robinson Library
Dwight David Eisenhower Marries Mamie Geneva Doud

Mr and Mrs Dwight David Eisenhower

During his first year of army duty at Fort Sam Houston, near San Antonio, Texas, Dwight met Mamie Geneva Doud, the daughter of a wealthy meat packer. The Douds lived in Denver, but spent winters in the warm San Antonio climate. Eisenhower and Miss Doud were married in Denver on July 1, 1916. Eisenhower was promoted to First Lieutenant on his wedding day.

Above, Eisenhower refused to sit down before the wedding ceremony for fear of creasing the crisp trousers of his uniform.

The Eisenhowers had two sons. The first, Doud Dwight Eisenhower, died of scarlet fever at the age of 3. The second son, John Shelton Doud Eisenhower, graduated from West Point in 1944, and served in the United States Army until 1963. He became United States ambassador to Belgium in 1969.

John went on to give his parents four grandchildren -- David (who, in 1968, married Julie Nixon, the youngest daughter of Richard Nixon), Barbara Anne, Susan, and Mary Jean.

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The Robinson Library--History: America.--United States.--Early Twentieth Century, 1900-1960.--Dwight D. Eisenhower's Administration, 1953-1961.

This page was last updated on 06/03/2008.