Edith Carow

Edith Carow was a member of the prestigious Carow family and the second wife of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. She was known for her strong personality and her influence on Theodore Roosevelt's life and career, often seeking advice from notable figures such as Henry Cabot Lodge and Elihu Root. As the First Lady of the United States, she played an important role in supporting her husband during his presidency, which included significant events like the Spanish-American War and the Panama Canal construction. Her life was also closely tied to other prominent families, including the Astor family and the Vanderbilt family.

● Early Life and Education

Edith Carow was born in New York City, New York, to Charles Carow and Gertrude Elizabeth Tyler Carow. She spent her childhood in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island, where she developed a strong interest in literature and history, often visiting the New York Public Library and attending events at Carnegie Hall. She was educated at home by private tutors, including Anna Bulloch, who also taught Theodore Roosevelt. Edith's early life was also influenced by her relationships with other notable figures, including Edith Wharton and Henry James. Her family's social status allowed her to interact with prominent individuals, such as J.P. Morgan and John Jacob Astor IV, and attend events like the Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

● Career

As the First Lady of the United States, Edith Carow played a significant role in supporting her husband, Theodore Roosevelt, during his presidency, which included hosting events at the White House and attending ceremonies like the Inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt. She was known for her strong personality and her influence on Theodore Roosevelt's life and career, often seeking advice from notable figures such as William Howard Taft and Elihu Root. Edith was also a strong supporter of the Arts and Crafts movement, which was led by figures like William Morris and John Ruskin. Her interests in literature and history led her to establish the White House Historical Association, which aimed to preserve the history of the White House and its occupants, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. She also worked closely with other notable women, including Ida Tarbell and Jane Addams, to promote women's rights and social reform.

● Personal Life

Edith Carow married Theodore Roosevelt in London, England, in 1886, after the death of his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt. The couple had five children together, including Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Kermit Roosevelt, Ethel Roosevelt Derby, Archibald Roosevelt, and Quentin Roosevelt. Edith was a strong supporter of her husband's career and often accompanied him to events, including the Republican National Convention and the Dawes Commission. She was also a close friend of other notable women, including Edith Wharton and Dorothy Parker, and often attended events at the Algonquin Hotel and the Plaza Hotel. Her personal life was also influenced by her relationships with other prominent families, including the Rockefeller family and the Morgan family.

● Later Life and Legacy

After the death of Theodore Roosevelt in 1919, Edith Carow continued to live in New York City, New York, and remained active in social circles, often attending events at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York City Opera. She was a strong supporter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, which aimed to preserve the legacy of her husband, and worked closely with other notable figures, including Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge. Edith Carow died on September 30, 1948, in New York City, New York, and was buried in Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay, New York, alongside her husband, Theodore Roosevelt. Her legacy as a strong and influential First Lady of the United States continues to be celebrated, and her life and career remain an important part of American history, often studied by scholars at institutions like Harvard University and Yale University. Category:First Ladies of the United States