Hannah Milhous Nixon

Hannah Milhous Nixon(Cropped)

Hannah Milhous Nixon (March 7, 1885 – September 30, 1967) was an American homemaker and the mother of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. Born in Butler County, Ohio, she was a descendant of the early Quaker settlers in Pennsylvania. Her life story reflects the quintessential American experience of migration, religious conviction, and resilience amidst adversity.

Early Life

Hannah Milhous was born to Franklin Milhous and Almira Park Burdg Milhous, a family with deep Quaker roots. The Milhous family moved to Indiana when Hannah was a young girl, where they were engaged in farming. The Quaker belief in simplicity, peace, and equality deeply influenced Hannah, shaping her character and values.

Marriage and Family

In 1908, Hannah married Francis A. Nixon in a Quaker ceremony. The couple settled in Yorba Linda, California, where they established a citrus farm. The Nixons had five sons: Harold (1909–1933), Richard Milhous (1913–1994), Francis Donald (1914–1987), Arthur (1918–1925), and Edward (1930–2019). Hannah Nixon was a devoted mother, instilling in her children the Quaker values of honesty, hard work, and service to others.

Influence on Richard Nixon

Hannah Nixon played a significant role in shaping the character and political beliefs of her son, Richard Nixon. She encouraged him to pursue education and was supportive of his decision to attend Whittier College and later, Duke University School of Law. Her religious convictions, particularly the emphasis on social justice and peace, left a lasting impression on him. Despite her son's political controversies, Hannah remained a steadfast source of support.

Later Life and Legacy

After her husband's death in 1956, Hannah Nixon lived to see her son become President in 1969. She passed away in 1967 in Whittier, California, and was buried in the Friends cemetery there. Her legacy is often reflected upon in discussions of Richard Nixon's upbringing and the influences that shaped his political career.

See Also

• Richard Nixon
• Quakerism
• Presidency of Richard Nixon