Ellen Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ellen Axson Wilson
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Ellen Louise Wilson
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| First Lady of the United States | |
| In office March 4, 1913 – August 6, 1914 |
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| Preceded by | Helen Herron Taft |
| Succeeded by | Edith Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ellen Louise Axson Wilson
May 15, 1860 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | August 6, 1914 (aged 54) White House, Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Woodrow Wilson |
| Signature |  |
Ellen Louise Axson Wilson (born May 15, 1860 – died August 6, 1914) was a very important woman in American history. She was the first wife of Woodrow Wilson, who became the 28th President of the United States. Ellen served as the First Lady of the United States from 1913 until her death. She was known for her kindness and her efforts to help people.
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Ellen Wilson's Early Life
Ellen spent her childhood in Rome, Georgia. Her father, Reverend S.E. Axson, was a Presbyterian minister. Woodrow Wilson, who was called "Tommy" by his friends, first saw Ellen when he was about six years old and she was just a baby.
In 1883, when Tommy was a young lawyer from Atlanta, he visited Rome, Georgia, again. There, he met "Miss Ellie Lou" once more. She was taking care of her father’s home. Tommy quickly wanted to marry her. Their wedding took place in 1885. Ellen had waited a bit so she wouldn't leave her father alone too soon.
Family Life and Hobbies
In the same year they married, her husband got a teaching job at Bryn Mawr College. They lived near the college campus and even had Ellen's younger brother live with them.
The Wilsons had three daughters:
- Margaret was born in 1886.
- Jessie was born in 1887.
- Eleanor was born later in Connecticut, while her father was teaching at Wesleyan University.
Starting in 1890, her husband began a famous career at Princeton University. This meant Ellen had many social duties as a professor's wife. Even with these duties, she spent much of her time painting. She even had a special studio in the White House where she could paint.
Ellen Wilson as First Lady
After Woodrow Wilson was elected president in 1912, the Wilsons chose to start his time in office without a big party. As the First Lady, Ellen’s parties and events were also kept simple. However, her friendly personality and warmness made everyone happy. Her events became very successful.
As First Lady, Ellen Wilson worked hard to improve housing for African Americans living in Washington, D.C.. She visited the poor areas where many families lived. By doing this, she brought attention to their difficult living conditions. This helped the Congressmen see the need for better housing.
Her Final Days
Ellen Wilson became ill with a serious kidney disease. She passed away on August 6, 1914. Before she died, she quietly told her physician: "…take good care of my husband." She also asked her doctor to tell her husband to marry again after her death.
Woodrow Wilson was very sad when she died. He took her back to Rome, Georgia, for burial. He would later marry Edith Wilson in 1915, just as Ellen had wished.
