Answer: Custer's wife, Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon Custer

Michigan native Elizabeth Bacon (1842-1933) first met George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) in her home state in the early 1860s. Elizabeth was initially forbidden by her parents to see Custer for reasons of social status, but the two were eventually married in early 1864.

George A. Custer, a graduate of West Point, was lifelong military man. His service ended with his death at the disastrous (for U. S. forces) Battle of Little Bighorn in June, 1876. For the twelve years of their marriage, Elizabeth remained by his side. Refusing to be left behind when her husband was called to war, Elizabeth went with Custer whenever she could, and she stayed at him at camps in Kansas, Kentucky, and Texas.

Elizabeth Custer was widowed at the age of 34, and for the remainder of her life she work to repair and promote George A. Custer's legacy, which came under fire after President Ulysess Grant blamed him for the army's defeat at Little Big Horn.  Elizabeth produced several works promulgating Custer's heroic efforts, including "Boots and Saddles;" or, Life in Dakota with General Custer (1885) and Tenting on the Plains; or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas (1887).

In HSP's library are two of Elizabeth Custer's works on the life of her husband, general George A. Custer: Boots and Saddles, or, Life in Dakota with General Custer (call number Gc .9672) and Tenting on the plains; or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas (call number Gc .9673).