From collection Member List
Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre (Goucher, 1905) was the second daughter of President Woodrow Wilson and Ellen Louise Axson. She was born on August 28, 1887, in Gainesville, Georgia. She attended Goucher College and was initiated into Zeta Chapter in 1905. After graduating, Jessie devoted her time to working at a settlement home in Philadelphia for three years.
On November 25, 1913, Jessie Woodrow Wilson married Francis Bowes Sayre Sr. in a ceremony at the White House. The couple had three children: Francis B. Sayre Jr., Eleanor Axson Sayre and Woodrow Wilson Sayre.
After the end of World War I, the family moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Jessie was deeply involved in political and philanthropic work. She spent much of her time promoting the Democratic Party, the League of Nations and the League of Women Voters. She also served on the national board of the YWCA.
In 1929, Jessie was suggested as a Democratic nominee for United States Senator. She declined the nomination, choosing to become the secretary of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee instead.
Jessie died on January 15, 1933, at the age of 45. Two years after her death, the Boston branch of the Women’s Democratic League honored her by renaming itself the Jessie Woodrow Sayre Women's Democratic League.
On November 25, 1913, Jessie Woodrow Wilson married Francis Bowes Sayre Sr. in a ceremony at the White House. The couple had three children: Francis B. Sayre Jr., Eleanor Axson Sayre and Woodrow Wilson Sayre.
After the end of World War I, the family moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Jessie was deeply involved in political and philanthropic work. She spent much of her time promoting the Democratic Party, the League of Nations and the League of Women Voters. She also served on the national board of the YWCA.
In 1929, Jessie was suggested as a Democratic nominee for United States Senator. She declined the nomination, choosing to become the secretary of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee instead.
Jessie died on January 15, 1933, at the age of 45. Two years after her death, the Boston branch of the Women’s Democratic League honored her by renaming itself the Jessie Woodrow Sayre Women's Democratic League.
Related Items
Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre to Margaret Handy Envelope, November 5, 1913
This invitation is addressed to Margaret Handy (Goucher 1908) for the wedding of Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre (Goucher 1905), daughter of President Woodrow Wilson.
Mary Glendon Trussell to Dr. Handy Letter, March 26, 1974
Mary Glendon Trussell (Northwestern) writes to Margaret Handy (Goucher) to thank her for sending a White House wedding invitation.
Mary Glendon Trussell to Dr. Handy Letter, February 6, 1974
Mary Glendon Trussell (Northwestern) writes to Margaret Handy (Goucher) to ask about Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre (Goucher) and acquiring more information for the archives.
Zeta Chapter Photograph, 1906-1907
The women in this photograph are identified on the back.
Mary Glendon Trussell to Dr. Handy Letter, March 14, 1974
Mary Glendon Trussell (Northwestern) writes to Margaret Handy (Goucher) to thank her for sending a photograph and ask for a White House wedding invitation.
