The forgotten daughter of a U.S. president finally comes home

Name: The forgotten daughter of a U.S. president finally comes home
Uploaded: 2025-10-24T00:35:44.512Z
Duration: 2 min 18 s
Description: In 1839, a 53-year-old American woman wrote from Paris, I am now in distress, in ill health and in an a foreign country. Stranded and desperate, she pled: Save me from utter ruin. Rescue would take more than 180 years to arrive.

CBS America · 11 days ago

CBS America

11 days ago

In 1839, a 53-year-old American woman wrote from Paris, "I am now in distress, in ill health and in an a foreign country." Stranded and desperate, she pled: "Save me from utter ruin." Rescue would take more than 180 years to arrive.

Breakdown

Eliza Monroe Hay, daughter of President James Monroe, died in Paris after being denied her inheritance. 1m 7s
Her plea for help was discovered by Barbara Vorndyck, a retired teacher volunteering at Monroe's home. 53s
Vorndyck's six-year research led to the rediscovery of Eliza's grave in Paris. 1m 2s
Eliza's remains were brought back to Richmond, Virginia, to rest beside her family. 2m 6s
The story highlights how individual efforts can reshape historical narratives. 1m 48s

History