Esther Parker

Esther Parker, known to many as “Miss Hetty,” was born in Roxborough, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1805.¹ Parker later moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where her uncle operated the White Swan tavern; there, she met future President James Buchanan.² Buchanan hired her to work as his housekeeper in 1834– a role she would hold for thirty-four years.³ 

At his Lancaster estate, Wheatland, Parker managed the household and helped to care for Buchanan’s wards, Harriet Lane and James Buchanan “Buck” Henry. She became a close part of the family circle; moreover, Buchanan biographer George Ticknor Curtis wrote “I do not hesitate to say that it was largely owing to the vigilant care of his interests and her wise economy” that Buchanan remained financially secure throughout his life.⁴ 

When James Buchanan moved into the White House in 1857, Harriet Lane served as his hostess and Buck Henry as his private secretary. Meanwhile, Parker traveled between Wheatland and the White House, preparing either home for the family and maintaining the Lancaster estate in their absence.⁵ Shortly after Buchanan’s Inauguration, a local newspaper reported: “Miss Hettie Parker, who has long presided over Mr. Buchanan’s household affairs, will see that the internal arrangements of the White House do not suffer.”⁶ 

After leaving the White House in 1861, she returned to Wheatland, working there until Buchanan’s passing in 1868. She continued to live in Lancaster and remained in touch with Harriet Lane and Buck Henry. There are no known images of Esther Parker.⁷ Ester Parker died on February 2, 1899, and is buried at Lancaster Cemetery.⁸ 

Thank you to President James Buchanan’s Wheatland for providing research assistance with this biography.