Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945)

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (FDR) served longer as president than any other in history, and barring repeal of the 22nd Amendment, longer than anyone else ever will. He led the United States out of the Great Depression and into World War II, along the way becoming as close as the country ever had to a patrician king. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, January 30, 1882, the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara (Delano) Roosevelt, although his father had a son nearly 28 years Franklin's senior from his first marriage. Roosevelt's father was a wealthy railroad executive, and the family was distantly related to former President Theodore Roosevelt. Interestingly, Franklin's branch of the family pronounces their name Rose-evelt, while Theodore's branch ...