Elanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt captured the hearts of many Americans and people from around the world. Eleanor was tested from the day she first entered the world of politics and public affairs, but she struggled her way through. A fighter for equal human rights, Eleanor was one of the most active and influential First Ladies in American History.
Eleanor was born into a wealthy family full of debutantes and country-club golfers. Her parents, Anna Hall-Roosevelt and Elliot Roosevelt, were wealthy socialites and one of New York’s most popular couples. The Roosevelt’s early ancestors have been prominent in early America as well. Some have signed the Declaration of Independence and one gave George Washington his oath of office. Being born into a wealthy and prominent family wasn’t always a good thing and sometimes could be tragic. Eleanor’s beloved Uncle Theodore would play a major role in her life as well as her Grandmother Hall.
Elliot and Anna Roosevelt welcomed Anna Eleanor Roosevelt into the world on October 11, 1884. Eleanor grew up in a New York City townhouse, complete with her own servants and French nannies. She was often neglected by her own parents because she had no vivid personality or stunning beauty. Her mother called her “Granny” because she was “too old fashioned and boring.” Eleanor spent so much time with her French nannies that she spoke French fluently.
At age fifteen, Eleanor was taken out of her private lessons and enrolled at the respectable Allenswood. Allenswood was an elite finishing school located near London, England. There, under the instruction of Mademoiselle Marie Souvestre, Eleanor blossomed into a fine young woman. Over the years she and Mademoiselle Souvestre became good friends and Eleanor traveled with her all over the world.
When she returned to New York three years later, little did she know what would lay in the years a head. Cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt...
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