Wilson, Ellen Axson (1860-1914), was the first wife of Woodrow Wilson, who served as president of the United States from 1913 to 1921. She was first lady for a relatively short time. She died about 17 months after her husband became president. While first lady, Mrs. Wilson became known for her efforts to bring about social reforms. She enjoyed art and produced many fine paintings.
Mrs. Wilson, whose maiden name was Ellen Louise Axson, was born in Savannah, Georgia, on May 15, 1860. Her father was a Presbyterian minister. Early in Ellen’s life, the family lived in several different cities as her father changed church assignments. These hometowns included Rome, Georgia, where Ellen lived with her family from 1866 to 1883. She graduated from Female College in that city in 1876. In 1884 and 1885, she studied at the Art Students’ League in New York City.
Ellen Axson met Woodrow Wilson in Rome in 1883. Wilson, then a lawyer, was in the city on business. They married on June 24, 1885. The Wilsons had three daughters between 1886 and 1889. The children were, in order of birth, Margaret Woodrow, Jessie Woodrow, and Eleanor Randolph.
At various times, Mrs. Wilson painted for recreation. Her most productive period was from about 1910 to the start of her husband’s presidency in 1913. She was granted one-woman shows to exhibit paintings, and she won some awards for her work.
As first lady, Ellen Wilson took part in promoting social reforms. She visited slums in Washington, D.C., and sought to improve conditions there. She worked to persuade members of Congress to vote for funds for the improvements. In 1914, Congress passed a bill to improve housing in the area. The legislation became known as “Ellen Wilson’s bill.” While first lady, Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Board of Associated Charities. In that role, she received reports from social workers about the needs of poor people.
Mrs. Wilson favored a low-key approach to social functions in the White House. She preferred small gatherings to large ones. She established gardens on the White House grounds, one of which became famous as the Rose Garden.
Mrs. Wilson suffered from nephritis (then called Bright’s disease) and other ailments. She died on Aug. 6, 1914. Woodrow Wilson remarried in December 1915.
See also Wilson, Woodrow .
