“ Polk stamped herself on the social life of Washington and impressed all with whom she was brought into contact as being a woman of deep piety and profound convictions, a noble character made up of strength, individuality and gentleness, clinging love and single-hearted devotion to her husband, relatives and friends. Her experience in the National Capital prepared her for the duties that devolved upon her as the wife of the governor of the State in 1839. In Nashville she became at once the social leader. ”

“ Having no children of her own, she took a little niece, two years old, and reared her with motherly care. From her she received the dutiful and loving devotion of a daughter, and her age was gladdened by the voices of children and children's children gathering about that daughter and her child. ”