Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Roosevelt, Franklin Delano

ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN DELANO, an American public official, born at Hyde Park, Dutchess co., N. Y., in 1882, a distant relative of Theodore Roosevelt. He graduated from Harvard University in 1904 and studied at the Columbia University Law School from 1904 to 1907. He was admitted to the bar in the latter year and began practice with the firm of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, of New York City. He remained in this connection until 1910, when he became a member of the firm of Marvin, Hooker & Roosevelt. He was elected to the State Senate in 1910, but resigned in 1913 on his appointment as assistant secretary of the navy. In 1918 he was in charge of the inspection of the United States naval forces in European waters and in 1919 had general charge of demobilization of naval forces in Europe. During the World War he carried on his important duties with the Navy Department with great energy, and, in general, escaped the criticism which was lodged against other high officials of that department. Although he had not hitherto been conspicuous in partisan politics, he was chosen Democratic candidate for vice-president at the Democratic National Convention, in July, 1920. Following his nomination he took a vigorous part in the campaign and made speeches in all parts of the country, but chiefly in the Middle and Far West.