Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) — 32nd President of the United States 1933-1945     Childhood and Youth Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York in 1882 at “Springwood,” his family’s country estate amid the rolling hills and pastoral splendor of the Hudson Valley. Descendants of Dutch…

Ollie A. Randall (1890-1984) — Social Worker, Welfare Administrator and Advocate for the Aging   Introduction: Ollie A. Randall had a long career as a social worker, welfare administrator, lecturer, consultant, writer, and advocate for the aging. She worked for the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (later Community Service Society) in New…

Wilbur C. Phillips (1880 — 1967) — Advocate of Child Health and Hygiene and Founder of the National Social Unit Organization   Wilbur Carey Phillips was born March 10, 1880, in Nunda, New York, and educated at Colgate Academy and Harvard University, graduating from the latter in 1904. He worked as secretary of the New…

Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry (1872-1943): Child Welfare Pioneer Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry was the granddaughter of the famous abolitionist, Frederick Douglass. She and her husband, Dr. James E. Perry helped to provide better health care to African American children in Kansas City, Missouri. During this period, many African American children suffered from poor nutrition and…

Alice Paul (1885 – 1977):  Social Worker, Militant Activist and Suffragette   Introduction: Alice Stokes Paul was the architect of some of the most outstanding political achievements on behalf of women in the 20th century. Born on January 11, 1885 to Quaker parents in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Alice Paul dedicated her life to the…

Carrie Amelia Nation was perhaps the most famous person to emerge from the temperance movement—the battles against alcohol in pre-Prohibition America—due to her habit of attacking saloons with a hatchet.

Robert Morris  (1910-2005):  Educator, Author, Policy Analyst and Social Gerontologist   Robert “Bob” Morris had a profound influence on long-term care policies and available services for the elderly as well as greater understanding of social welfare issues. His research, many consultations, appointments, and prolific writings all contributed to an appreciation of the importance of social…

Essie Davis Morgan (1920 — 1990): Social Worker, Chief, Community Service Section, Social Work Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs   Mrs. Morgan was a native of Georgia and a graduate of Alabama State College. She received a master’s degree in social work from Atlanta University.  After earning her MSW degree at Atlanta University, Morgan…

Alice Davis Menken (1870-1936): Social Worker, Pioneer In Penology, Jewish Activist and Humanitarian   Alice Davis Menken was the third of seven children of an old Sephardic Jewish family. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Involvement in helping people came first through her helping to establish the Sisterhood of…