On Oct. 20, 1853, Benjamin Harrison of North Bend married Caroline Lavinia Scott in Oxford, Ohio. Three decades later, when Harrison became the nation's 23rd president, she became first lady.

Witty and vivacious, "Carrie" Harrison was an accomplished pianist and painter. Born in Oxford on Oct. 1, 1832, she met "Ben" Harrison when they were students at Farmer's College in Cincinnati. They became engaged in Oxford - while he was a student at Miami University and she pursued a music degree at the Oxford Female Seminary, which was founded by her father, the Rev. Dr. John Scott.

The couple settled in Indianapolis, where Benjamin, a grandson of former President William Henry Harrison, built a law practice and launched his political career. Harrison was elected president in 1888.

While first lady, Carrie Harrison served as the first president general of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A person of progressive views, she agreed to help raise money for Johns Hopkins University - on the condition that it admit women.

She presided over a modernization of the White House that included wiring it for electricity. She established the tradition of the White House Christmas tree.

Known for her elegant receptions and dinners, she kept up with social obligations during the winter of 1891-1892 despite being ill. She died of tuberculosis in the White House on Oct. 25, 1892, at age 60.

- Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call 768-8361