Eleanor Roosevelt, FDR, and Their Complicated Relationship
Eleanor Roosevelt, FDR, and Their Complicated Relationship
One of the most intriguing stories about Eleanor Roosevelt is the often-asked question of whether she ever married Franklin D. Roosevelt. This question is usually asked with mixed curiosity and amusement. The answer is a resounding no, and it's more about the family connections rather than any romantic entanglement.
What is the True Story?
Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) were not only political partners but also relatives. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt was not married to FDR; instead, she was his fifth or sixth cousin. This is a fascinating twist in history that often goes unnoticed. FDR, as expected, came from the well-known Roosevelt family. Most people are familiar with Theodore Roosevelt (Teddy Roosevelt), yet many overlook the fact that Eleanor Roosevelt's family was connected to him through her mother's side.
The Roosevelt Family Connection
Eleanor Roosevelt's family were the Rutherfords, a branch of the Roosevelt family. This branch of the Roosevelt family intermarried with another branch, the Roosevelts, which produced FDR. Specifically, Eleanor's great-great-grandfather, James Roosevelt, was the brother of FDR's great-great-grandfather, Valentine Roosevelt. This sibling relationship means that they were third cousins. Through additional marriages and genealogical connections, Eleanor and FDR ended up as fifth or sixth cousins.
The Reason Behind the Curiosity
The question "Did Eleanor Roosevelt ever marry FDR?" often arises out of confusion about the Roosevelt family's extensive connections. In the famous line, "The towels didn't need a new monogram," the idea is that being cousins, they didn't need to change the monogram on the household towels when one of them married a member of their family. This is a humorous and practical way of handling a complex family relationship within a household.
The Significance of Their Relationship
While Eleanor and FDR were not directly married, their personal and political relationship was one of the most significant chapters in American history. FDR became the President of the United States, which Eleanor supported wholeheartedly. Their marriage in the traditional sense was never a consideration due to their cousin relationship, which would have posed numerous legal, social, and ethical complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt were fifth or sixth cousins, making them relatives, but not spouses. This unique familial connection, often highlighted by humorous family anecdotes, adds a layer of intrigue to their already fascinating historical legacy. Understanding this relationship helps us appreciate the complex web of family connections that shaped their lives and the lives of many others in the often-misunderstood Roosevelt family.