Theodore Roosevelt gave his niece away at her wedding. He was attending Columbia Law School at the time. After the wedding, the two took a honeymoon in Europe, where they visited France, Italy, Germany, and Scotland. Both were born in New York City, but Franklin was attending Columbia Law School when the couple married. Their daughter, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, was active in writing and served as the editor of the women’s page of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Franklin Roosevelt
It may come as a surprise to many, but Franklin Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt were related. They were the fifth cousins once removed. Franklin met his future wife Eleanor when they were children, and they were engaged by the time they were 19 years old. The two married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1905 in New York City. Eleanor’s mother didn’t approve of the marriage, but Franklin persisted, and her future husband gave his daughter away to Eleanor.
Franklin and Theodore were cousins and friends. The two had been raised in rich and privileged families. They were well-educated, with the best tutors. They also had ample free time, which allowed them to pursue their dreams. Although they were related, they were quite different.
After the death of his brother, Franklin became a progressive spokesman. In 1920, he ran for vice president alongside James Cox, but lost the election to Warren Harding. Franklin became involved in many philanthropic endeavors, including raising money for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and being a trustee of Marist College and the State University of New York.
Sara Delano Roosevelt
Sara Delano Roosevelt had a younger brother, Frederic A., who was a Harvard graduate. After graduation, he joined the railroad industry and eventually became a company president. He also served on the Chicago Plan Commission. In August 1917, he was commissioned a captain and assigned to the 302nd Ammunition Train. He fought in the battles of the Argonne at Vesle River.
Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt were distant cousins, although not related by blood. FDR’s father, James, was probably a member of the Democratic Party in the 1850s but he did vote for Republicans occasionally. Sara’s brother was also related to Theodore and Franklin. FDR followed TR’s path and became a Harvard graduate before becoming the governor of New York State. He eventually became President and Vice-President of the United States.
The presidents’ wives were very close. Sara Delano Roosevelt had two brothers and two sisters. Sara Delano Roosevelt was a close friend of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They were both active in politics and fought against Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party of New York City. Roosevelt’s politics were of the progressive new nationalist variety. He believed in the role of government in creating a fair society and protecting individuals from concentrations of economic power.
James Roosevelt
Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt were distant cousins. Franklin admired Theodore very much, and he was a big influence on him. Theodore once lectured in Franklin’s Groton class about his experiences as a police commissioner in New York City. Franklin was inspired by Theodore and modeled his own public office career after Theodore’s. He considered Theodore to be the greatest man he had ever met. Many of Franklin’s policies are based on the ideas that Theodore had shared with him during his late political career.
While serving in the U.S. Navy, Franklin Roosevelt was especially interested in the development of Navy dirigibles. He made inspection trips to U.S. naval bases in the Caribbean and even changed the Navy’s recruiting slogan. His death came suddenly from pneumonia in 1934. After his death, his wife, Eleanor, traveled to upstate New York to attend his funeral.
Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt were related through their wives, Edith Roosevelt and Quentin Roosevelt. Quentin was Theodore’s youngest son, but Theodore was already in poor health. Many people believe Quentin’s death hastened his demise.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were related by marriage, and her father gave her away at their wedding in 1910. They had five children, including Theodore. Franklin was elected president of the United States in 1932 and served four terms. His niece, Eleanor, was born in New York City. She also worked as a writer and served as the editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s women’s page.
They were first cousins. Her father, Elliott Roosevelt, was the youngest brother of Theodore Roosevelt. Her mother, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, died in childbirth at age eight, and her father was an alcoholic. As a result, the future president fell into a long depression.
Eleanor and Franklin had a close relationship. They both worked in public service. Their son, James, wrote a special letter to Good Housekeeping in 1960 that highlights her achievements and discusses her difficult upbringing.