Mary Dodson Wade - Amazing President Theodore Roosevelt

Americas 26th President

Read about Theodore RooseveltThe Peoples President.

Young readers will learn just how amazing some Americans are as they pore over the pages of these biographies.

About the Author

Author Mary Dodson Wade is a book lover, a people watcher, and a compulsive writer. She spent 25 years as an elementary librarian, surrounded by things she loved.

Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City in 1858. No one thought the sickly boy would become president one day. Young Teddy worked hard to make himself strong. Later, he made the United States strong.

When Theodore was young, he was often sick.

Theodores family was rich. But money could not cure his asthma. His father built a gym in their home. Theodore exercised to get well.

Theodore loved the outdoors. He collected nests, shells, and bones when he visited his summer home on Oyster Bay, New York.

In college, Theodore studied to be a naturalist. Then his father died. His father had helped poor people. Theodore wanted to help people too.

Theodore loved to go outside and explore Oyster Bay.

Theodore married Alice Lee. He was happy when she gave birth to a baby girl. But two days later his wife Alice died. Theodores mother also died the same day as Alice did.

Theodore was too sad to stay in New York. He went out west. He worked hard as a rancher, hunter, and cowboy.

After his wife Alice died, Roosevelt bought a ranch in the Badlands of Dakota Territory.

Two years later he came back. He married Edith Carow. Soon five more noisy children filled their house.

Theodore took charge of the New York City police. He hired new officers. He helped make the city safe.

In December 1886, Theodore married Edith Carow. Here he is with Edith and their children.

Then Theodore worked for the Navy in Washington, D.C. He built new ships to protect our country. He asked men to join the Rough Riders. They fought in a big battle in Cuba and won. That made Theodore famous.

Roosevelt and his Rough Riders are photographed on San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War.

Roosevelt was elected governor of New York. He ordered business owners to be fair to workers.

Two years later, he was elected vice-president of the United States. Then the President was killed. Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest President.

Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901.

Roosevelt laughed and played games with his children in the White House. The children had many pets. They liked to play tricks. Once, they took a pony upstairs to a bedroom!

Quentin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelts youngest child, is riding his horse on the White House lawn.

Theodore Roosevelt was 60 years old when he died. He was known all over the world. Because of his hard work and courage, the United States became a world leader.

Roosevelt helped create Yosemite National Park. Many people still go there to camp, hike, and enjoy nature.

Teddy Roosevelt told some school children, There are two things I want you to make up your mind to do. First, have a good time as long as you live. Next, work hard and do the things you set out to do.

How did he follow those rules?

Teddy Roosevelt said, My father was the best man I ever knew.

Mr. Roosevelt had built a place for homeless boys and took his own children there each week when he visited them.

How did watching his father affect Teddys life? Who do you want to be like?

1858

October 27, born in New York City.

1880

Married Alice Hathaway Lee.

1884

Daughter Alice is born. Wife and mother died.

1886

Married Edith Kermit Carrow.

1895

Head of New York City Police.

1897

Joined Navy Department in Washington.

1898

Formed Rough Riders to fight in Cuba. Elected governor of New York.

1900

Elected Vice-President of United States

1901

Became president when President McKinley was killed.

1919

January 6, died at Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, New York.

asthmaAn illness that makes it hard to breathe.

electedChosen by people who vote.

governorThe head of a state.

national parkA place the government owns to protect animals. Nobody can build houses there.

naturalistA person who knows about nature.

presidentThe head of a country.

Rough RidersMen with horses who went with Theodore Roosevelt to fight in Cuba.

vice-presidentThe person next in line to be president.

McKay, Sindy. President Theodore Roosevelt. San Anselmo, CA: Treasure Bay, Inc., 2006.

Schaefer, Lola M. Theodore Roosevelt. Mankato, MN: Capstone/Pebble Books, 2003.

Theodore Roosevelt Association, Oyster Bay, NY

http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/kidscorner/trchildrens.htm

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

http://www.nps.gov/thro/

Time for Kids