Biography Of Eleanor Roosevelt

Submitted By kittymariee
Words: 2397
Pages: 10

Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 11, 1884 by wealthy New York socialites. She was the daughter of the beautiful, Anna Hall and handsome Elliot Roosevelt. Ever since she was little, she was labeled as an “ugly duckling” compared to her parent's beauty. She always wanted affection and praise from her mom. Her mom once said “You have no looks, so see to it that you have manners.” But, she was a swan that had an excellent awareness to the disadvantaged people in the world. She was very close to her dad, he didn't find any faults with her looks. Her parents both died before she was ten. Her mother died from dipterous and her dad was an alcoholic and died from a seizure. Her grandmother adopted and took her in. She had a good education but started school late. It wasn't formal and she had private tutors until she turned fifth teen. She was sent to England in Allentown Academy to get rid of her shyness. There, she met her greatest influence her headmistress, Marie Souvenir. “Sou'wester also served as a model to Eleanor of a fiercely intelligent, independent woman sensitive to social causes, introducing Eleanor to various charitable causes and socialist endeavors.” Eleanor Roosevelt. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013. She learned many things such as French, German, Italian, and English Literature and more. Even though, she loved her school she had to return to New York to debut in society in fall. One thing she does regret is not having a college education. She uses her education in her human rights speeches to help and motivate underprivileged people. A first memorable event with her husband was during her Aunt Corrine's Christmas Party in 1898. During the party, Franklin Roosevelt her fifth cousin, once removed, talked to her and ask for a dance. But shortly after that, Eleanor had to go to England and they grew apart. Even so, years later they rekindled their friendship in the summer of 1902. After going back to New York for her society debut, they had become closer than ever. On November 22, 1903 Franklin propose to her while they were taking a walk and said “She helps out bring out the best for him.” Eleanor said yes, but they had to keep their engagement a secret until one year to test their love and commitment. The finally got married on March 17, 1905. She was a great mother to six children and an active First Lady during Roosevelt's presidency. However, Franklin's affair with Lucy Mercer damaged their personal relationship. Eleanor offered divorce but Franklin refused and decided to end his affair with Lucy Mercer. Eleanor was always supporting and helping her husband with his political duties. In Albany, Franklin served in the State Senate from 1910 through 1913. This was the starting moment of Eleanor long lifework in politics and helping her husband. She gained knowledge about politics and was by her husband when he had gotten poliomyelitis in 1921. She was active in the woman's division of the State Democratic Committee to maintain his passion for politics. “From his successful campaign for governor in 1928 to the day of his death, she dedicated her life to his purposes. She became eyes and ears for him, a trusted and tireless reporter.” Allida, Black. “Anna Eleanor Roosevelt” Whitehouse.gov, 2009. Web April 11, 2013. After, Franklin Roosevelt was delegated to be president in 1932, she felt troubled living in the White House. But, she soon adapted being the First Lady. She accomplished many things independently such as opening the White House door to reporters, holding press conferences, making official trips by traveling alone in planes, and was the first president's wife to earn her own money by writing, lecturing, and broadcasting. Unlike other women of her time, she was independent and was the first wife of a president to have a public life and career. She had her own newspaper column called My Day. She was the first to drive her own car without any chauffeur or police escort. In