Bodisco House

Wealth and affluence have long flowed through Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Whether inspired by the trappings of high society or true love, marriages between prominent families and families of limited or lesser means are not uncommon in the history of this prosperous parish.

Baron Alexander de Bodisco was a Russian diplomat with the official title of "envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary," and a pretentious air to match. He was known to ride in a white carriage drawn by four black horses to the Russian Embassy. History does not remember him as the most handsome man, but his charisma and flair apparently made up for it.

While serving as an ambassador, he became enamored of a schoolgirl named Harriet Williams. She was a sixteen-year-old student at the vaunted Miss English's Seminary for Young Ladies, which also counted President Andrew Jackson's daughter as a student.

The pair caused quite a stir after Bodisco began escorting Ms. Williams to school, and shortly thereafter, asked for her hand in marriage. While her family was initially opposed to the union, his kind and generous nature eventually won them over and the two were married.

The wedding was quite the party, with several older, distinguished gentlemen participating as groomsmen, including future U.S. President James Buchanan. They were flanked by the best friends of the baroness-to-be, and each bridesmaid was gifted a ring made with their favorite gemstone. Senator Henry Clay presented Harriet Williams to be wed in the absence of her departed father.

In spite of the massive age difference between them, the Bodiscos shared a happy marriage for fourteen years until the Baron passed away. They had seven children together, who, along with their grandchildren, were offered positions in the Russian Court.

Before Baron Bodisco died in 1854, he decreed that his much younger wife should go on to live a happy life once he died. She later married British Captain Douglas Scott and lived out many more years with him.