Thomas Woodrow Wilson Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Death, Children

Thomas Woodrow Wilson was an American statesman, academic, and leader who served as the 28th president of the United States from 1913 to 1921.

A member of the Democratic Party, Wilson had a distinguished career in academia and politics before ascending to the presidency.

He first gained national recognition as an educator and scholar, serving as the president of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910, where he implemented significant reforms to modernize the institution and enhance its academic reputation.

Profile

• Full Name: Thomas Woodrow Wilson
• Stage Name: Thomas Woodrow Wilson
• Born: 28, December 1856
• Date of death: 3 February 1924 (Aged: 67 years)
• Birthplace: Staunton, Virginia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Politician and the 28th president of the United States
• Height: unknown
• Parent: Joseph Ruggles Wilson and Jessie Janet Woodrow
• Siblings: Marion Wilson, Anne Wilson, and Joseph Ruggles Wilson Jr.
• Spouse: Ellen Axson Wilson (m. 1885–1914) and Edith Bolling Galt Wilson (m. 1915–1924)
• Children: Margaret Woodrow Wilson, Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre, and Eleanor Randolph Wilson McAdoo
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life And Education

Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, United States, to Joseph Ruggles Wilson and Jessie Janet Woodrow. His father was a Presbyterian minister. Wilson grew up in a household emphasizing education and faith, alongside his two older sisters, Marion and Anne, and his younger brother, Joseph Ruggles Wilson Jr.

He graduated from Princeton in 1879 and later pursued legal studies at the University of Virginia Law School. Wilson was of Scotch-Irish and Scottish descent, with his paternal grandparents having immigrated to the United States. Deeply influenced by his father’s religious teachings, he was a devout Presbyterian and remained active in the church.

Career

Woodrow Wilson’s professional career was distinguished by significant contributions to both academia and politics. Before entering public service, he built a strong reputation as an educator and scholar.

He began his academic career teaching political economy and public law at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania from 1885 to 1888. He then joined Wesleyan University in Connecticut as a professor of history before moving to Princeton University, where he spent twelve years as a professor of jurisprudence and political economy.

During his tenure at Princeton, Wilson became widely respected for his engaging lectures and prolific writing, publishing nine books, including a biography of George Washington and a comprehensive five-volume history of the United States.

His academic influence culminated in his appointment as president of Princeton University in 1902, a position he held for nearly a decade, during which he implemented significant reforms aimed at modernizing the institution and improving academic standards.

Wilson’s transition from academia to politics was swift and marked by rapid success. In 1910, he was elected governor of New Jersey, where he quickly established himself as a progressive reformer, tackling corporate corruption, implementing election law reforms, and advocating for fair labor practices.

His effective leadership and commitment to progressive policies gained national attention, positioning him as a strong candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1912. Running on a “New Freedom” platform emphasizing economic and political reforms, Wilson won the presidency, becoming the first Southerner to hold the office since before the Civil War.

His victory was primarily aided by the Republican Party’s division between incumbent President William Howard Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt, who ran as a third-party candidate under the Progressive Party. Wilson’s two-term presidency from 1913 to 1921 was one of the most impactful of the 20th century.

Domestically, he championed significant legislative achievements, including the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission, all aimed at regulating big business and stabilizing the economy. His administration also oversaw the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Internationally, Wilson led the United States through World War I, shaping the nation’s role on the global stage. His post-war efforts focused on creating the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, though the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected American membership.

Despite suffering a debilitating stroke in 1919, which limited his ability to govern in his final years in office, Wilson’s legacy as a transformative leader in domestic and foreign policy remains widely recognized.

Social Media

Woodrow Wilson does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Woodrow Wilson was married twice during his lifetime; both unions played significant roles in his personal and political journey. His first marriage was to Ellen Axson Wilson, whom he wed in 1885. Together, they had three daughters: Margaret, Jessie, and Eleanor, all leading accomplished lives in various fields.

Tragically, Ellen passed away in 1914 while Wilson was in office, leaving him deeply grief-stricken. A year later, in December 1915, Wilson found love again and married Edith Bolling Galt, a widow who became his closest confidante and a key figure during his presidency.

Net Worth

Woodrow Wilson’s estimated net worth at its peak was less than $1 million, reflecting a life dedicated more to public service and academia than to personal wealth accumulation. Unlike many of his political contemporaries, Wilson did not amass a substantial fortune through business ventures or lucrative investments.