Ellen Louise Axson Wilson; 1913-1921

Born: 1860
Died: 1914

Ellen Axson and Woodrow Wilson shared a common heritage. Their fathers were both Presbyterian ministers in the South. Ellen grew up in Rome, Georgia, the oldest of four children. She helped raise her siblings after her mother died, but her passion was art. At 22, she went to New York City to study at the Art Students League. Besides painting, she took in lectures by social reformers and volunteered at a mission school. She also kept up a correspondence with 25-year-old Woodrow, a lawyer she'd met at her father's church who was off pursuing his Ph.D. After marrying in 1885, Woodrow taught at successive colleges while Ellen raised their three girls. Sharing her husband's interest in public policy, she contributed ideas for his speeches at Princeton and later in politics. He considered her his greatest advisor.

Ellen was First Lady for only 17 months before she died at 54 of Bright's disease. But in that time, she accomplished much. Appalled by the slums in Washington, Ellen motivated Congress to enact housing reform -- the Alley Dwelling Act of 1914. She also continued painting (her work was well-received by experts), and promoted the crafts of the Appalachian women. And, within a six month period, she held White House weddings for two of her daughters.

Twenty-Eighth President
Woodrow Wilson