Wilson, Ellen

Wilson, Ellen (Louise b. Axson)

(1860–1914) First Lady; born in Savannah, Ga. Originally a painter, she married Woodrow Wilson in 1885. She was a great asset to Wilson; she translated German books for use in his scholarly work. As first lady, she worked for the improvement of the Washington slums and for better sanitary facilities for women in government offices. She died of Bright's disease while in the White House.