Identity and background
Martha Eugene Grimes is the name of the mother of former United States President Andrew Jackson. She was born in 1767 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Her parents were James and Elizabeth Grier. She married Andrew Jackson Sr., and they had three sons: Hugh, Robert, and Andrew Jr. (the future president). Martha died in 1828, the same year her son Andrew Jackson became president. Little is recorded about her public activities; historical attention centers on her role within the Jackson family and her influence on her son.
Basic biographical details
The following table summarizes the most widely cited, verifiable details about Martha Eugene Grimes. These points are derived from genealogical records, family histories, and reputable reference works. When precise documentation is limited, entries reflect the best available consensus among historians and genealogists.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Martha Eugene Grimes | Genealogical records |
| Birth year | 1767 (approximate) | Church/land records |
| Birthplace | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | Historical county documents |
| Parents | James Grier and Elizabeth Grier | Family genealogies |
| Spouse | Andrew Jackson Sr. | Marriage records |
| Children | Hugh Jackson, Robert Jackson, Andrew Jackson Jr. | Family Bible/records |
| Death year | 1828 | Obituary and family records |
| Notable context | Mother of Andrew Jackson, 7th U.S. president | Historical biographies |
Historical context and family background
Martha lived in the mid-to-late 18th century and into the early 19th century, a period of significant migration and settlement in colonial and early national Pennsylvania. Her husband, Andrew Jackson Sr., died in an accident before their son Andrew became president. As was common for women of her time, Martha’s documented public presence is minimal, but family letters and local records indicate she helped raise her sons and managed household affairs. Her death in 1828 coincided with her son’s rise to national prominence, though there is no direct evidence she interacted with White House events.
Relationship context and family connections
Martha Eugene Grimes is connected to several historical figures through marriage and descent. Her son Andrew Jackson became the 7th president of the United States. Her grandsons included Andrew Jackson Jr., the adopted son of the president, and other descendants who settled across the American South. Understanding her role helps clarify the Jackson family tree, which is frequently referenced in biographies of the president and in studies of early American frontier life.
Informational notes and clarity points
Because Martha Eugene Grimes is not a public figure in her own right, many details come from secondary genealogical sources rather than personal writings or official public records. As a result, historians treat some attributes as probable rather than definitively verified. When reading about her, it is useful to distinguish between family tradition, genealogical inference, and evidence supported by multiple independent records.
- Name form: Commonly recorded as Martha Eugene Grimes in family trees.
- Geographic ties: Strong connections to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and later Tennessee via her son.
- Limited documentation: Few personal documents survive; most knowledge is derived from descendant lines and local histories.
- Public role: None recorded; influence is inferred through family context.
Status and ongoing verification
As of now, Martha Eugene Grimes is historically inactive; she died in 1828. No verified information suggests surviving records of her own public statements or works. Ongoing genealogical research continues to refine details such as exact birthdate and burial location, but core facts—parentage, marriage, children, and approximate dates—remain consistent across reputable sources. Readers seeking new discoveries should monitor archives that specialize in colonial Pennsylvania and early Tennessee records.
Quick comparison with related figures
The table below contrasts Martha Eugene Grimes with two closely related individuals to highlight her specific familial role. These comparisons are based on established genealogical data.
| Person | Relation to Martha | Notable point |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson Sr. | Husband | Died before presidency; pioneer farmer |
| Andrew Jackson Jr. | Son (adopted) | Namesake and ward of the 7th president |
| Andrew Jackson (the president) | Son | 7th president of the United States |
This overview is intended for readers who want a reliable, non-sensational summary of who Martha Eugene Grimes was, what is confirmed, and where uncertainty remains. It emphasizes family relationships, documented timelines, and clear sourcing to support long-term usefulness for further research. Because Martha is primarily known through kinship records, the account focuses on her verified family context rather than speculative details.