Widowed defender of Custer's legacy Elizabeth Bacon Custer

an elderly elizabeth, seen looking @ president taft in black hat , dress far left of frame, attends unveiling of custer statue in monroe, michigan, in 1910.

her efforts successful. image of steely custer leading men against overwhelming odds wiped out while defending position last man became part of american lore alamo. libbie remained utterly devoted husband , never remarried. despite having spent life traveling extensively throughout united states (including winters in florida) , world, elizabeth custer never visited valley of little big horn. said treasure letter president theodore roosevelt stated husband 1 of heroes. wasn t until on half century later historians reexamined custer s actions leading , during battle , found criticize.

after initial period of distress dealing late husband s debts, mrs. custer spent on half-century of widowhood in financial comfort attained result of literary career , lecture tours, leaving estate of on $100,000. died in new york city, 4 days before 91st birthday, on april 4, 1933, , buried next husband @ west point. few years before death told writer greatest disappointment never had son bear husband s honored name.