Martha Beall Mitchell

Martha Beall Mitchell (2 September 1918 - 18 June 1976) was the wife of John Mitchell, United States Attorney General under President Richard Nixon.

Related Topics:
2 September - 1918 - 18 June - 1976 - John Mitchell - United States - Attorney General - Richard Nixon

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Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1936, then attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. After World War II, she worked at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. She had a brief first marriage to Clyde Jennings (October 5, 1946) which produced a son, Jay (b. November 2, 1947).

Related Topics:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas - Stephens College - Columbia, Missouri

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Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she met John Mitchell. They married on 30 December 1957. They had a daughter, Martha Elizabeth (nicknamed Marty) on January 10, 1961.

Related Topics:
Washington, D.C. - 30 December - 1957

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Dubbed "The Mouth of the South," she began contacting reporters when her husband's role in the Watergate scandal became known. At one time, Martha insisted she was held against her will in a California hotel room and sedated to keep her from making her controversial phone calls to the news media.

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The Mitchells separated in 1973. Three years later, in advanced stages of myeloma, Martha slipped into a coma and died in Washington at age 57.

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The Martha Mitchell effect is named after her.

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