Edith Wilson

 

Edith Wilson, born in 1872 in Wytheville, Virginia, was the second wife of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States. Known for her Southern heritage, Edith was the seventh of 11 children born to William and Sallie White Bolling. Despite limited formal education, she became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., known for driving her own electric car and being a glamorous presence in society.

In 1896, Edith tied the knot with Norman Galt, a member of a high-class jewelry dynasty near the White House. Despite tragedy striking with the loss of their infant son and Norman's passing in 1908, Edith inherited a fortune. Standing tall and glamorous in her thirties, she turned heads in Washington, D.C., cruising around in her own electric car. With police clearing the way for her, she became a local celebrity. Surprisingly, Edith had zero interest in politics and confessed she couldn't even name the candidates during the 1912 election that put Woodrow Wilson in power. A wealthy widow living in her own world, Edith's story is one of luxury, independence, and a touch of mystery.

After marrying Woodrow Wilson in 1915, Edith played a significant role in his administration when he became incapacitated by illness during his second term. The couple's close relationship allowed Edith a unique insight into her husband's work and the inner workings of his administration. She had the opportunity to be present during important discussions and to review classified documents related to the war effort.  

Despite the roaring woman suffrage movement, Edith Wilson remained unimpressed. When her husband cracked down on suffragists in 1917, she called them "devils in the workhouse." Her husband's eventual support for women's voting rights was more about politics than her influence. This First Lady was no pushover! Despite her focus on her husband's health and well-being, Edith also took an interest in the political aspects of his work, understanding the significance of certain decisions and policies. This intimate involvement in her husband's professional life not only strengthened their bond but also allowed Edith to provide valuable support and perspective as the First Lady. She accompanied him to the Paris Peace Conference in 1918, becoming the first incumbent president's wife to travel to Europe. Woodrow Wilson's presidency took a dramatic turn in September 1919 as he fought for the Treaty of Versailles. But a sudden illness struck, forcing him into seclusion at the White House. His wife, Edith, took charge, keeping his condition hidden and controlling access to him. With rumors swirling about a "petticoat government," Edith faced accusations of running the country behind the scenes. Critics claimed she was the "Assistant President," making decisions in Wilson's absence. Despite the controversy, Edith remained steadfast in her efforts to protect her husband and maintain stability in the government. As the nation grappled with uncertainty, one thing was clear: the Wilson presidency would never be the same.  

After Woodrow's presidency, the power couple retired in Washington, where tragedy struck in 1924. Edith spent the next 37 years championing her husband's legacy, preserving his papers, and transforming their homes into national treasures. She passed away on what would have been Woodrow's birthday, just months after attending JFK's inauguration. Edith and Woodrow rest together in Washington National Cathedral, the only presidential duo buried in the capital.

A socialite for over 50 years, Edith Wilson's legacy is defined by her brief but impactful time as first lady. While controversial, she showed the nation the vital role a first lady plays in safeguarding her husband's well-being.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology, her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouache, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.