A Great American

Born: December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, named Thomas Woodrow Wilson.

Education: Educated at Princeton University, University of Virginia law School, and earned a Ph. D. from Johns Hopkins University.

Occupation: Educator, lawyer, and public official. College professor 1885-1902, president of Princeton University 1902-10.

Religion: Presbyterian

Family Life: Married Ellen Louise Axson. They had three daughters. Ellen died from Bright's Disease on August 6, 1914. Wilson took her to Rome for burial among her kin. After Ellen's death, Wilson married a widow, Edith Bolling Galt on December 18, 1915. She died on December 28, 1961, the anniversary of her famous husband's birth.

Political Career: Elected New Jersey Governor 1910-12. Then, nominated by the Democratic Party for President in 1912. Reelected in 1916 on slogan, "He kept us out of war."

Highlights of His Presidency: Created the Federal Reserve System that reorganized the financial structure of the nation. Spoke in person to Congress, rather than sending messages. Clayton Anti-Trust Act passed. Strained relations with Mexico. Sat in on the Paris Peace Conferences as part of the League of Nations during World War I. Lost bitter fight with the U. S. Senate over the Peace Treaty, the League of Nations covenant.

Famous Words: In a proclamation of neutrality at the beginning of World War I, he asked Americans to be, "impartial in thought as well as in action."

Appearance: Tall ( 5'11"), lean, with narrow face; scholarly appearance.

Died: February 3, 1924, of heart disease, in Washington D. C., age 67.

Buried: In the National Cathedral in Washington D. C., in which the sarcophagus containing President Wilson's body rests.

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