Alice Roosevelt Longworth Siblings: The Roosevelt Clan.!!!
Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a famous American writer and socialite, who was the eldest child of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
She was known for her wit and her political influence, as well as her unconventional and controversial life.
But did you know that she also had five siblings, who were also remarkable in their own ways?
In this blog, I will introduce you to Alice Roosevelt Longworth’s siblings, and tell you some fascinating facts about their lives.
Alice Lee Roosevelt was born on February 12, 1884, in New York City.
Her mother, Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, died two days after her birth, and her father, Theodore Roosevelt, was devastated by the loss.
He left his infant daughter in the care of his sister, Anna, known as “Bamie” or “Bye”, and went to the Dakota Territory to cope with his grief.
He later remarried Edith Kermit Carow, who became Alice’s stepmother.
Alice grew up in a wealthy and political family, and became the center of national attention when her father became president in 1901.
She married Ohio Rep. Nicholas Longworth III in 1906, and had one daughter, Paulina, who was the result of her affair with Senator William Borah.
Alice had five half-siblings from her father’s second marriage.
Find out who they are and their dates of birth below in the next chapter.
Siblings’ Names and Background
Alice Roosevelt Longworth, grew up in a family where each of them pursued remarkable paths.
The siblings were:
- Theodore Roosevelt Jr., born on September 13, 1887. He was the eldest son and the second child of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt.
- Kermit Roosevelt, born on October 10, 1889. He was the third child and the second son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt.
- Ethel Roosevelt Derby, born on August 13, 1891. She was the fourth child and the only daughter of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt.
- Archibald Roosevelt, born on April 9, 1894. He was the fifth child and the third son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt.
- Quentin Roosevelt, born on November 19, 1897. He was the sixth and youngest child and the fourth son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt.
Here’s a brief overview of each of them:
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
He excelled as a politician, businessman, and soldier.
He followed our father’s footsteps, serving as the governor of Puerto Rico, the governor-general of the Philippines, and the assistant secretary of the Navy.
Theodore Jr. also bravely fought in both World Wars and received the Medal of Honor for his valor during the Normandy landings.
Notably, he passed away from a heart attack in 1944 at the age of 56.
Kermit Roosevelt
He distinguished himself as an explorer, writer, and soldier.
He accompanied our father on several expeditions, including the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition to South America and the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition.
Despite his achievements, Kermit struggled with alcoholism and depression, tragically ending his life by suicide in 1943 at 53.
Ethel Roosevelt Derby
She contributed as a socialite and philanthropist.
She married Richard Derby, a surgeon, and actively participated in charitable causes like the Red Cross and the League of Women Voters.
Ethel also supported our father’s political endeavors and maintained a close friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt.
She passed away from a stroke in 1977 at 86.
Archibald Roosevelt
He ventured into business, military service, and intelligence.
He served in both World Wars, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, and played a role in the 1953 Iranian coup d’état.
Archibald lived a full life, marrying twice and having four children before succumbing to cancer in 1979 at 85.
Quentin Roosevelt
He embodied adventure as a pilot and soldier.
The youngest and beloved son of our family, he shared our father’s passion for flying.
Quentin joined the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I and tragically lost his life in combat at the age of 20.
His death deeply affected our father, who cherished him dearly.
The Death Of Alice Lee Roosevelt
Alice’s mother was Alice Lee Roosevelt, the first wife of Theodore Roosevelt, who later became the 26th president of the United States.
She died two days after giving birth to Alice on February 14, 1884, from an undiagnosed case of kidney failure, which had been masked by the pregnancy.
Her death devastated Theodore Roosevelt, who wrote in his diary: “The light has gone out of my life”.
Alice was raised by her aunt and her father’s second wife, Edith Kermit Carow.
She grew up to be a famous socialite and political figure, known for her wit and rebelliousness.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Growing up, my siblings and I enjoyed a privileged and adventurous upbringing.
We resided in esteemed locations like the White House, Sagamore Hill, and Oyster Bay, engaging in outdoor pursuits like hunting, riding, and camping.
Despite our diverse interests, we shared a close and supportive bond with each other and our parents.
Our admiration for our father’s bravery and our mother’s intellect fostered a sense of unity and respect within our family.
Personal Lives
Each of my siblings led unique and fulfilling lives:
What was Alice Roosevelt Longworth’s relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt?
Alice Roosevelt Longworth and Eleanor Roosevelt were first cousins, once removed.
Eleanor’s father, Elliott, was the younger brother of Theodore Roosevelt.
Alice and Eleanor had a strained and competitive relationship, as they had different political views and personalities.
Alice was a loyal Republican, who opposed and mocked Eleanor’s husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his New Deal policies.
Alice also disliked Eleanor’s activism and humanitarianism, and often made sarcastic remarks about her.
Did Alice Roosevelt Longworth have any children?
Alice Roosevelt Longworth had one daughter, Paulina, who was born in 1925.
However, Paulina was not the biological child of Alice’s husband, Nicholas Longworth, but of Alice’s affair with Senator William Borah, a progressive Republican from Idaho.
Alice kept her daughter’s paternity a secret until her death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alice Roosevelt Longworth
Q: How many siblings did Alice Roosevelt Longworth have?
A: Alice Roosevelt Longworth had five half-siblings from her father’s second marriage to Edith Kermit Carow.
They were Theodore III, Kermit, Ethel, Archie, and Quentin.
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