FORMER FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES
1884–1962

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (or ER as she came to be known) was one of the most admired, respected, and controversial figures of the twentieth century. Although born to a family of privilege on October 11, 1884, she was deeply concerned with the plight of the disadvantaged. ER married Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) (1882–1945), her fifth cousin once removed, on March 17, 1905. ER was a good mate for FDR; she encouraged him to enter public life and served as an important political asset throughout his life. ER was a strong politician with keen negotiating skills who remained optimistic despite harsh criticism from her enemies. Years before she became the longest-serving first lady, ER was a Democratic Party activist, political campaigner, teacher, writer, journalist, editor, mother, and faithful wife who nursed her husband back to health when he was stricken with polio.

One of ER's...