F.D.R - The Four-Term President

by Panzer
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the longest serving President in US history, serving 12
year in office from 1933-1945.
He steered the nation through its worst economic crisis, only to be faced with the most horrific
war in history.
Though facing titanic physical challenges of his own, he imbued America with the indomitable
fortitude and sense of morale that was required to spur the nation to victory.
In today’s Biographics we examine the inspirational life of the 32nd President of the United States,
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Early Years
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30th, 1882, the only child of James and Sara
Ann Delano Roosevelt, in Hyde Park, New York.
James recorded the event in his diary that day, writing . . .
At quarter to nine my Sallie had a splendid large boy, but was unconscious when he was
born.
Baby weighs ten pounds without clothes.
It wasn’t an easy birth.
In fact, both mother and baby nearly died due to the administration of too much chloroform
by the doctor.
Despite being born not breathing, Franklin went on to become a healthy child.
His raised in a privileged family, living in an impressive estate that had been in the
Roosevelt family for more than a century.
The Roosevelts were of Dutch extraction, having emigrated in 1654.
They became an Americans success story, due largely to development in the coal and transportation
industries.
Franklin’s father, a Harvard Law School graduate, served as the vice president of
the Delaware and Hudson Railway and also served as president for the Southern Railway Security
Company.
His income and his inheritance allowed him to retire to focus on his health, which had
never been very good.
Sara Delano was the second wife of James.
Her existence revolved around caring for her son.
As a result, the majority of Franklin’s early childhood was spent in the company of
his mother.
Sara was an overly protective parent.
She came to feel resentful of anyone else who got close to Franklin.
Meanwhile, James was often the absent father.
Young Franklin benefited from the privileges of wealth and position.
When he was five years old, he visited the White House with his father.
President Grover Cleveland spoke to him personally, saying . . .