Characters
Marion Sturgis Hooper "Clover" Adams
Clover Adams was a woman of profound intellect and remarkable achievements, celebrated as the most captivating hostess in Washington, D.C. Her life met a tragic end in 1885, at the tender age of forty-two, upon uncovering her husband, Henry Adams's infidelity. The statue her husband commissioned to honor her memory, aptly named Grief, served as a beacon of inspiration for Eleanor Roosevelt.
Jane Addams
Jane Addams stood as a formidable champion of social feminism, fervently advocating for the very causes dear to Eleanor's heart.
Corrine Robinson Alsop
Corrine Robinson Alsop, Eleanor Roosevelt's cousin, shared the formative experience of attending Allenswood School in England alongside her.
Annie
See Anna Bulloch Gracie
Bamie
See Anna Roosevelt Cowles
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Hall Boettiger
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Hall Boettiger, Eleanor Roosevelt’s daughter, navigated a turbulent relationship with her mother. Often feeling like an outsider at home, Anna longed for a greater voice in her life's decisions. Eleanor's aloof demeanor sometimes cast a shadow over their bond, yet over time, they began to mend their relationship. Academically, Anna pursued studies at Cornell School of Agriculture, married financier Curtis Hall in 1926, and later, in 1932, she wed John R. Boettiger, a journalist, after divorcing her first husband.
Brother
See Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (II)
Dorothy Strachey Bussy
Dorothy Strachey Bussy, a fellow student of Eleanor Roosevelt at Allenswood School, immortalized her experiences through the novel Olivia (1948). She was wed to Simon Bussy, a French artist.
Bye
See Anna Roosevelt Cowles
Carrie Chapman Catt
Carrie Chapman Catt was a trailblazing feminist and a spearhead in the women’s suffrage movement. Her influence greatly inspired Eleanor Roosevelt, leading to collaboration in organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the National Conference on the Cause and Cure of War.
Katharine Delano Robbins Price Collier
Aunt Kassie stood as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's revered aunt and the sister of Sara Delano Roosevelt.
Nancy Cook
Nancy Cook, a staunch feminist and confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt, first crossed paths with her in 1922. A masterful administrator and political strategist, Cook partnered with Eleanor in numerous ventures, including the establishment of the Todhunter School and the Women’s Democratic News. She played a pivotal role in the Women’s Division of the New York State Democratic Committee.
Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge, ascending from Massachusetts governor to the vice presidency in 1921, and ultimately to the U.S. presidency in 1923, faced Eleanor Roosevelt's vocal opposition to many of his policies.
Anna Roosevelt Cowles
Bamie, Eleanor Roosevelt’s influential aunt and Theodore Roosevelt Jr.'s sister, left her mark not through formal politics but through her strategic influence during her brother’s presidency, serving as a powerful example for Eleanor.
Josephus Daniels
Josephus Daniels, a stern moralist, helmed the Navy as Secretary during President Woodrow Wilson's tenure and served as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's superior.
Marion Dickerman
Marion Dickerman, a pioneering feminist and close ally to both Nancy Cook and Eleanor Roosevelt, broke barriers as one of the first women to seek public office, running for the New York State Assembly in 1919. Later achieving the role of dean at New Jersey State College in Trenton, she exerted a formidable influence alongside Roosevelt and Cook within the Women’s Division of the New York State Democratic Committee during the 1920s.
Anna Bulloch Gracie
Anna Bulloch Gracie, affectionately known as "Annie," was a beloved great aunt to Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor cherished her gentle and patient nature. Annie was married to New York banker James King Gracie.
Maude Hall Waterbury Gray
Maude Hall Waterbury Gray, Eleanor Roosevelt’s cherished aunt, provided a nurturing home for Eleanor...
(This entire section contains 2531 words.)
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for six years following the death of her parents. Known for her generosity and talent in recognizing others’ strengths, Maude first married polo player Larry Waterbury, then upon divorce, writer David Gray.
Mary Livingston Ludlow Hall
Mary Livingston Ludlow Hall, Eleanor Roosevelt’s grandmother, provided a strict yet affectionate environment during Eleanor's years with her after her parents passed. She left behind a lasting legacy upon her death in 1919 at seventy-six.
Valentine Hall
Valentine Hall, called "Vallie," was Eleanor Roosevelt’s paternal uncle, whose struggles with alcohol rendered his actions erratic and financially reckless.
Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding, a Republican leader, held the presidency from 1921 until his untimely death in 1923.
Hick
See Lorena Hickok
Lorena Hickok
A distinguished journalist of her era, Lorena Hickok forged a profound friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt from 1932 onward. Overcoming a harsh childhood with an abusive father and the loss of her mother, Hickok began her journalism career at the Battle Creek Journal, progressing to society editor at the Milwaukee Sentinel. Her career advanced as she joined the Minneapolis Tribune in 1917, and by 1928, she was reporting for the Associated Press, focusing on New York state politics. Her assignment to cover Eleanor in 1928 blossomed into a heartfelt and complex friendship. Although Hickok was known for her intense emotions, willfulness, and complexity, she remained steadfastly loyal and generous in her affections towards Eleanor Roosevelt.
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover held the presidency as a Republican from 1929 to 1933, with Eleanor Roosevelt actively campaigning against him to support Democratic candidate Al Smith in 1928.
Louis McHenry Howe
Louis McHenry Howe, a trusted confidant and adviser to FDR, became an indispensable friend to Eleanor Roosevelt as well. Serving as FDR’s chief aide during his tenure as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Howe's counsel was instrumental, persisting through FDR's presidency. Initially resentful of his influence, Eleanor developed a profound friendship with Howe during the campaign of 1920, placing immense trust in his unwavering support.
Aunt Kassie
See Katharine Delano Robbins Price Collier
Esther Everett Lape
Esther Everett Lape carved her path as a journalist, researcher, teacher, and publicist while being the esteemed companion of Elizabeth Read and a cherished confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt. A stalwart feminist, she wielded her influence within the League of Women Voters, making a significant impact.
Marguerite LeHand
Marguerite LeHand, often known as "Missie," served as FDR's steadfast secretary starting in 1920. Her bond with FDR deepened over the years, and she became his indispensable confidante following his appointment as governor of New York in 1928. Eleanor Roosevelt, ever gracious, treated Missie with warmth and never displayed a hint of jealousy.
Alice Roosevelt Longworth
Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a cousin of Eleanor Roosevelt, shared a strained relationship with her. Known for her acerbic tongue, Alice frequently spread harmful rumors about Eleanor. Her marriage to Nicholas Longworth, the Speaker of the House, was tumultuous and ultimately soured, leading to mutual animosity.
Lucy Mercer
See Lucy Page Mercer Rutherford
Earl Miller
Earl Miller, a spirited state trooper, was entrusted with the role of Eleanor Roosevelt's bodyguard in 1929. Athletic and charming, with a background as a Navy middleweight boxing champion, he quickly became Eleanor's constant companion. His protective nature won her over, and he introduced her to tennis and shooting. Whispers of their relationship circulated, prompting Miller to marry in 1932 and again after a divorce in 1941, aiming to quell the rumors of an affair with Eleanor.
Missie
See Marguerite LeHand
Mittie
See Martha Bulloch Roosevelt
Edith Livingston Ludlow Hall Morgan
Edith Livingston Ludlow Hall Morgan, affectionately known as Aunt Pussie, was a figure of admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt. She instilled in Eleanor a love for music, theater, and poetry. Pussie married Forbes Morgan, but their union ended in divorce. Tragically, in 1920, she perished alongside her two daughters in a house fire.
Elizabeth Hall Mortimer
Elizabeth Hall Mortimer, or Aunt Tissie, played a pivotal role in nurturing Eleanor Roosevelt's artistic inclinations. After marrying Stanley Mortimer, she spent much of her life residing in England.
Caroline Love Goodwin O’Day
Caroline Love Goodwin O’Day was both affluent and committed to suffrage and pacifism. A close ally of Eleanor Roosevelt, she significantly contributed to the Val-Kill partnership, which produced the Democratic Women’s News and the Todhunter School. Following the death of her husband, Daniel O’Day, she dedicated herself to social reform.
Pussie (I)
See Edith Livingston Ludlow Hall Morgan
Pussie (II)
See Corinne Roosevelt Robinson
Elizabeth Fisher Read
Elizabeth Fisher Read, a distinguished scholar and attorney, stood as one of Eleanor Roosevelt's most trusted friends and financial advisors. Her influence was notably felt in the League of Women Voters during the 1920s.
Corinne Roosevelt Robinson
Corinne Roosevelt Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt's paternal aunt, worked diligently behind the scenes to bolster the political career of her brother, Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Roosevelt was born into aristocracy in 1884, the daughter of Elliott Roosevelt and Anna Rebecca Livingston Ludlow Hall Roosevelt. Orphaned young, Eleanor spent her formative years with her aunts and grandmother, and later attended Allenswood School in England. At twenty, she wed her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Their union brought forth five sons, one of whom died in infancy, and a daughter. Eleanor not only supported her husband's political aspirations but also cultivated her independence, forming her own interests and friendships.
Within the Democratic party, she emerged as a formidable political figure, passionately advocating for social reform, especially concerning women's and children's welfare. A vocal proponent of women's political rights, she played a significant role in the League of Women Voters in the 1920s and championed world peace. As a "New Woman" of her era, Eleanor believed in limitless opportunities for women, irrespective of gender. Known for her dynamic organizing skills, she fueled her causes with boundless energy. By the time FDR assumed the presidency in 1933, Eleanor was nationally recognized for her visionary accomplishments. However, her pioneering spirit also attracted scrutiny and opposition.
Anna Rebecca Livingston Ludlow Hall Roosevelt
Anna Rebecca Livingston Ludlow Hall Roosevelt, Eleanor's mother, lost her father, Valentine Hall, at the age of seventeen. She was a beauty who savored a life of social success, marrying Elliott Roosevelt at nineteen. However, their marriage was marred by Elliott's alcoholism, prompting Anna to maintain emotional reserve. Her relationship with Eleanor was often cold and distant, and despite Eleanor's efforts, she rarely pleased her mother. Tragically, Anna succumbed to diphtheria at just twenty-nine.
Edith Carow Roosevelt
Edith Carow Roosevelt, married to Theodore Roosevelt Jr., was Eleanor Roosevelt's aunt, though their relationship was not particularly warm.
Elliott Roosevelt (I)
Elliott Roosevelt, Eleanor's father, married Anna Rebecca Hall in 1883 at twenty-three. Despite his charm and allure, he fell victim to alcoholism, which strained his marriage. While he adored his daughter Eleanor, his marriage deteriorated, exacerbating his emotional and mental struggles. Committed to an asylum near Paris in 1891, his family considered declaring him insane. Although he regained his health, he couldn't mend his marriage and, following his wife's demise, descended further into alcoholism, leading to his death in 1894.
Elliott Roosevelt (II)
Elliott Roosevelt was the son of Eleanor Roosevelt, born in 1910.
Elliott Roosevelt Jr.
Elliott Roosevelt Jr., Eleanor's brother, was born in 1889 and succumbed to scarlet fever and diphtheria in 1893.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known as FDR, was the devoted husband of Eleanor Roosevelt. With his education rooted in the hallowed halls of Harvard and the rigorous study at Columbia Law School, he united in matrimony with Eleanor in the year 1905. His political voyage commenced as a New York State Senator in 1910, and by 1913, he elevated to the role of Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Despite his unsuccessful bid for the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket in 1920, FDR's spirit was undeterred. In 1921, fate dealt him a harsh blow when polio struck, leaving his legs paralyzed. Undeterred, he surged forward, becoming the Governor of New York in 1928, and securing reelection in 1930. His ascent reached new heights in 1933, as he took on the mantle of President of the United States. Eleanor, steadfast and supportive, stood by his political aspirations, though their bond was tested in the late 1920s by his affair with secretary Lucy Mercer. They eventually reconciled, finding a renewed warmth in their partnership, despite often traversing their own paths in many aspects of life.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (I)
Their son, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr., graced their lives briefly before succumbing to influenza in 1909, when he was merely seven and a half months old.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (II)
Born in 1914, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr., affectionately known as "Brother," was another cherished son of Eleanor and FDR.
Gracie Hall Roosevelt
Born in 1891, Gracie Hall Roosevelt, Eleanor's younger brother, was known for his charming personality and popularity. A Harvard alumnus, he pursued advanced studies in engineering and embarked on a new journey when he married Margaret Richardson. His service as an aviator during World War I added to his distinguished life.
James Roosevelt
As the father of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, James Roosevelt was a wealthy widower who married Sara Delano Roosevelt at the age of fifty-two. Although he had aristocratic tendencies, he was also endowed with a strong social conscience, encouraging the affluent to contribute toward the betterment of society.
John Aspinwall Roosevelt
John Aspinwall Roosevelt was the youngest son of Eleanor, born in 1916, adding another chapter to their family story.
Martha Bulloch Roosevelt
Eleanor's grandmother, Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, was the mother of Elliott Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Tragically, she succumbed to typhoid fever in 1884, a mere eight months before Eleanor’s birth.
Sara Delano Roosevelt
Franklin's resolute mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, known for her strong opinions, maintained a firm grip on her son's matters. Her dominance extended over Eleanor’s early married life with FDR, often ruling the household with an iron will, which left Eleanor striving for her approval. Over time, Sara's respect for Eleanor's political endeavors blossomed.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the uncle to Eleanor, held the presidency of the United States from 1901 to 1909. Despite Eleanor’s limited interest in politics during his presidency, an affectionate bond flourished between them. His life came to an end in 1919.
Lucy Page Mercer Rutherford
Lucy Page Mercer Rutherford began her journey alongside Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1914 as his efficient and youthful secretary. Their ensuing affair, uncovered by Eleanor in 1919, cast a shadow over their marriage.
Rose Schneiderman
Born in Russia, Rose Schneiderman emerged as a pivotal leader within the Women’s Trade Union League and stood as a loyal friend to Eleanor Roosevelt.
Alfred E. Smith
Alfred E. Smith, a former governor of New York, rose as the Democratic presidential nominee in 1928, only to face defeat at Herbert Hoover's hands. Eleanor Roosevelt, believing fervently in Smith's dedication to social reform, became one of his staunchest supporters, pouring her efforts into his campaign.
Marie Souvestre
Marie Souvestre, a formidable Frenchwoman with progressive feminist ideals, founded the Allenswood School in England, where she mentored Eleanor Roosevelt. Souvestre's demanding nature and encouragement of independent thought made Eleanor her favored student.
Squire James
See James Roosevelt
Tissie
See Elizabeth Hall Mortimer
Vallie
See Valentine Hall
Narcissa Cox Vanderlip
Narcissa Cox Vanderlip, a well-heeled Republican ally of Eleanor Roosevelt, was a fervent advocate for feminism and progressive politics, steering the New York State League of Women Voters as its chair.
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson, once at the helm of Princeton University, ascended to the presidency of the United States in 1913, with FDR as a supporter. Leading the nation into World War I in 1917, Wilson harbored distrust towards FDR and Eleanor, perceiving them as part of his opposition in the post-war years.