Monroe, Elizabeth Kortright (1768-1830), was the wife of James Monroe, who served as president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. Mrs. Monroe, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kortright, was born in New York City on June 30, 1768. Her father was a well-to-do merchant. Elizabeth was raised in the formal atmosphere of New York City merchant-class society of her time. She learned social graces and was considered a beauty.