The Peggy O’Neal

Description

A cigar was named after Peggy O’Neal (more accurately, Margaret “Peggy” O’Neill Eaton) because she became a nationally recognized figure in early 19th-century America due to her central role in the infamous “Petticoat Affair”-a major political and social scandal during President Andrew Jackson’s administration.

Who Was Peggy O’Neal?

Peggy O’Neal, born Margaret O’Neill, was the daughter of a Washington, D.C. tavern keeper. She was known for her wit, musical talent, and striking presence, which made her a prominent socialite in Washington. She married John Timberlake, a naval officer, and after his death, she quickly married John Eaton, a U.S. senator and later Secretary of War under Andrew Jackson.

The Petticoat Affair and Her Fame

The circumstances of her marriage to Eaton-soon after her first husband’s death-sparked rumors and widespread gossip, leading to her ostracism by the wives of other cabinet members. This social snubbing escalated into the “Petticoat Affair,” which deeply divided Jackson’s cabinet, led to multiple resignations, and even influenced the trajectory of national politics. President Jackson staunchly defended Peggy Eaton, as he saw parallels between her treatment and the attacks on his own late wife.
Because of her notoriety, Peggy O’Neal became a household name, symbolizing both scandal and resilience in the face of public scrutiny. Her story was widely known and discussed, making her image and name highly recognizable.

Why a Cigar Was Named After Her

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was common for cigar manufacturers to name their products after famous or infamous historical figures, especially those whose stories captured the public imagination. Peggy O’Neal’s notoriety and the dramatic events surrounding her life made her an ideal subject for product branding. Cigar boxes featuring her image often depicted scenes from her life, such as President Jackson offering her flowers or her husband dueling to defend her honor. These labels capitalized on her fame and the intrigue of her story to attract attention and sell cigars.

Summary

A cigar was named after Peggy O’Neal because she was a widely known and controversial figure whose life story-marked by scandal, high-profile marriages, and political drama-captivated the American public. Her fame made her an appealing subject for cigar branding, a common practice of the era to boost sales by leveraging the notoriety of famous personalities.

The “Peggy O’Neal” cigar was a branded cigar from the late 19th or early 20th century, named after the famous historical figure Margaret “Peggy” O’Neal Eaton. The cigar itself was notable for its highly decorative packaging, featuring ornate box labels and gold-gilded cigar bands. These labels often depicted scenes from Peggy O’Neal’s life, such as President Andrew Jackson offering her flowers and her husband dueling to defend her honor.

There is no evidence in the available sources that the “Peggy O’Neal” cigar was a specific type (such as a particular size, shape, or blend) beyond its branding and decorative presentation. The focus was on the box art and bands, which capitalized on Peggy O’Neal’s notoriety and public fascination with her story, rather than on a unique cigar blend or style.

In summary, the “Peggy O’Neal” cigar was a vintage, ornately packaged cigar brand, primarily known for its collectible box art and bands rather than for any distinctive tobacco blend or cigar type.

For bulk orders, please contact hamptonscigars@gmail.com or 904-955-5465.