An ordinary woman named Nan Britton was embroiled in one of the most talked-about scandals of early 20th-century America. Famous primarily for her romantic relationship with the 29th President of the US, Warren G. Harding, and her claim that he fathered her child, Nan’s life offers a compelling narrative of love, scandal, and resilience. Her story tells of the personal side of a historical figure and also of societal challenges faced by women in her day.
Early Life
Nan Britton was born on November 9, 1896, in Marion Ohio. Her modest upbringing made her an ambitious and spirited young woman with dreams that extended beyond the confines of her small town. From an early age, Nan was drawn to the charm and charisma of Warren G. Harding, a local newspaper publisher who would later rise to political prominence.
As a teen, Nan became fascinated by Harding, who was almost 30 years her senior. Her admiration for him was no secret, and she often referred to Harding as her “hero.” This admiration laid the groundwork for one of the most scandalous relationships in American political history.
Relationship with Warren G. Harding
In 1917, when Nan was in her early twenties, she and Harding began dating. At the time, Harding was a married man and already an influential politician. Their affair allegedly began in Marion and continued even as Harding’s political career advanced, ultimately leading to his election as President of the United States in 1920.
According to Nan, their relationship was a passionate one, and they often met in secret. One of their most dramatic rendezvous reportedly took place in a closet at the U.S. Capitol building.
In 1919, Nan had a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Britton. She steadfastly maintained that Harding was the child’s father, though Harding never publicly acknowledged paternity during his lifetime.
The Scandal and the Public Backlash
The sudden death of Harding in 1923 left Nan Britton in a precarious position. Without financial support and eager to secure her daughter’s future, she decided to go public with her story. In 1927, she published The President’s Daughter, a memoir detailing her relationship with Harding and her claim that he fathered her child.
The book sparked outrage and disbelief among Americans. Critics accused Nan of fabricating the story for financial gain, and she faced intense public scrutiny. Even amid the backlash, Nan stood by her claims, saying she was motivated by the need to provide for her daughter and not by a desire for fame or fortune.
Later Life and Legacy
Nan Britton lived most of her later life in seclusion, raising her daughter in the shadow of her controversial past. It wasn’t until decades later, in 2015, that modern DNA testing finally confirmed that Elizabeth Ann was indeed Warren G. Harding’s biological child. This confirmed Nan’s claims and changed public perception of her story.
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