Ellen Louise Wilson
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Ellen Louise Axson Wilson (May 15, 1860 - August 6, 1914) was the first wife of Woodrow Wilson. She was First Lady of the United States from 1913 until her death.
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[edit] Early life
Ellen spent her childhood in Rome, Georgia. Her father’s name was Reverend S.E. Axson. Her father was a Presbyterian minister. Thomas Woodrow Wilson first saw Ellen when he was about six and she only a baby. In 1883, as a young lawyer from Atlanta, "Tommy" visited Rome (Georgia) and met "Miss Ellie Lou" again. She was looking after her father’s household. He wanted to marry her, but the marriage took place only in 1885, as she did not immediately wanted to leave her father alone.
In the same year (1885), Wilson got a teaching job at Bryn Mawr College. The annual salary was $1,500. He and his wife lived near the campus. She kept her younger brother with them. The Wilson couple had three children: Margaret, born in 1886; Jessie, born in 1887. A third child named Eleanor was born in Connecticut, while Wilson was teaching at Wesleyan University.
Beginning in 1890, her husband had a well-known career at Princeton University. This brought much social responsibility to Ellen. She also devoted her time to art and paining. She had a studio in the White House where she devoted time to paintings. She could manage time for this in spite of weddings of two daughters, and later as her role as the First Lady.
[edit] First Lady
The Wilson couple began their administration without any party. As the First lady Ellen’s entertainments were also simple. But, her charms and warmness made the people happy. Her parties became success. The couple also invited influential legislatures to private dinner parties.
As the First Lady, Ellen Wilson tried for improving the housing facilities for the Negroes living in Washington D. C. She visited the slums where Negro families lived. This brought their bad living condition to the attention of the Congressmen.
[edit] Her death
She was suffering from Bright's disease. She died on 6th August 1914. At the time of her death, she murmured to the physician: “…take good care of my husband.” She also told her physician to tell her husband to marry again after her death. Wilson was very sad at her death. He took her to Rome (Georgia) for burial. He would later marry [[Edith Wilson in 1915.
[edit] Reference
- Original text based on White House biography
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