Governor Robert Love Taylor described Semple as "The most notable Southern woman surviving the classic old régime".

[5] When her father assumed the presidency on April 4, 1841, Semple and her husband had become estranged because of his mental illness, and she moved into the White House with her parents and siblings.

[6] During her time hosting, The Chattanooga Times wrote "she was the friend of the most famous statesman and public men the country has produced..."[7] During the American Civil War, Semple served in Williamsburg, Virginia as a volunteer nurse for Confederate soldiers after the Battle of Manassas.

"[4] In the 1870s, William Wilson Corcoran gave Semple room and board at the Louise Home, "which he created for elderly women of distinguished background who found themselves in genteel poverty.

"[4] During this time, she was befriended by First Ladies Lucy Hayes and Ida McKinley, the latter of whom lent Semple her horse and carriage when needed.