Sonja Coffey

Written by Sonja Coffey

Modified & Updated: 26 Feb 2025

35-facts-about-rose-cleveland
Source: Businessinsider.com

Who was Rose Cleveland? Rose Cleveland, sister of President Grover Cleveland, served as the First Lady of the United States from 1885 to 1886. Why did she take on this role? Grover Cleveland was a bachelor when he took office, so Rose stepped in to fulfill the duties of First Lady. What made her unique? Rose was not just a hostess; she was an accomplished author and educator. Did you know she had a lifelong relationship with a woman named Evangeline Simpson? This relationship was quite progressive for the time. Want to learn more? Here are 35 intriguing facts about Rose Cleveland that will give you a deeper look into her fascinating life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rose Cleveland, sister of President Grover Cleveland, was a trailblazing First Lady, prolific writer, and advocate for women's rights, leaving an inspiring legacy that continues to impact society today.
  • Rose Cleveland's deep connections, literary contributions, and advocacy for women's rights made her a remarkable figure whose influence continues to inspire future generations and scholars.
Table of Contents

Who Was Rose Cleveland?

Rose Cleveland, sister of President Grover Cleveland, served as First Lady of the United States during her brother's first term. Her life was filled with intriguing events and accomplishments. Here are some fascinating facts about her.

  1. 01

    Rose Elizabeth Cleveland was born on June 13, 1846, in Fayetteville, New York.

  2. 02

    She was the youngest of nine children in the Cleveland family.

  3. 03

    Rose's father, Richard Falley Cleveland, was a Presbyterian minister.

  4. 04

    She attended Houghton Seminary, a private school for girls in Clinton, New York.

Rose Cleveland as First Lady

Rose Cleveland stepped into the role of First Lady when her brother became president. Her time in the White House was marked by unique contributions and personal challenges.

  1. 05

    Rose Cleveland served as First Lady from 1885 to 1886.

  2. 06

    She was known for her intelligence and wit, often engaging in intellectual conversations with guests.

  3. 07

    Rose hosted many social events at the White House, including formal dinners and receptions.

  4. 08

    She was an advocate for women's education and supported various educational initiatives.

Literary Pursuits

Beyond her role as First Lady, Rose Cleveland was a prolific writer and editor. Her literary contributions left a lasting impact.

  1. 09

    Rose published a book titled "George Eliot's Poetry and Other Studies" in 1885.

  2. 10

    She served as the editor of "Literary Life," a magazine based in Chicago.

  3. 11

    Rose wrote numerous essays and articles on topics ranging from literature to social issues.

  4. 12

    She was a strong supporter of women's suffrage and wrote extensively on the subject.

Personal Life and Relationships

Rose Cleveland's personal life was filled with deep connections and significant relationships. Her bond with Evangeline Simpson Whipple stands out.

  1. 13

    Rose Cleveland never married.

  2. 14

    She formed a close and intimate relationship with Evangeline Simpson Whipple, a wealthy widow.

  3. 15

    Rose and Evangeline exchanged passionate letters, revealing their deep affection for each other.

  4. 16

    They lived together in Italy for several years, where they enjoyed a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Rose Cleveland continued to make significant contributions to society. Her legacy remains influential to this day.

  1. 17

    Rose Cleveland moved to Bagni di Lucca, Italy, in 1910.

  2. 18

    She dedicated herself to humanitarian work during World War I, helping refugees and the wounded.

  3. 19

    Rose contracted the Spanish flu in 1918 while caring for others and passed away on November 22, 1918.

  4. 20

    Her letters to Evangeline were published posthumously, shedding light on their relationship and the challenges they faced.

Rose Cleveland's Impact on Women's Rights

Rose Cleveland was a vocal advocate for women's rights and education. Her efforts in these areas were groundbreaking for her time.

  1. 21

    Rose was a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.

  2. 22

    She gave speeches advocating for women's right to vote and equal opportunities.

  3. 23

    Rose believed in the power of education to uplift women and improve society.

  4. 24

    She supported various women's colleges and educational institutions.

Rose Cleveland's Intellectual Circle

Rose Cleveland surrounded herself with intellectuals and thinkers. Her circle of friends and acquaintances included notable figures of her time.

  1. 25

    Rose was friends with Henry James, the famous American author.

  2. 26

    She corresponded with Susan B. Anthony, a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement.

  3. 27

    Rose was acquainted with Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross.

  4. 28

    She maintained a lifelong friendship with Frances Folsom, who later became her sister-in-law.

Rose Cleveland's Contributions to Literature

Rose Cleveland's literary contributions extended beyond her own writings. She played a significant role in promoting literature and intellectual discourse.

  1. 29

    Rose was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

  2. 30

    She supported young writers and encouraged them to pursue their literary ambitions.

  3. 31

    Rose's essays were published in various literary magazines and journals.

  4. 32

    She was known for her eloquent writing style and insightful commentary.

Rose Cleveland's Influence on Future Generations

Rose Cleveland's legacy continues to inspire future generations. Her contributions to society, literature, and women's rights have left an indelible mark.

  1. 33

    Rose's life and work have been the subject of numerous biographies and scholarly studies.

  2. 34

    Her letters and writings are preserved in archives and libraries, providing valuable insights into her life and times.

  3. 35

    Rose Cleveland's dedication to education, women's rights, and humanitarian causes continues to inspire activists and scholars today.

Final Glimpse into Rose Cleveland's Life

Rose Cleveland's life was anything but ordinary. From serving as First Lady to her brother, President Grover Cleveland, to her later years as a writer and educator, she left a lasting impact. Her relationship with Evangeline Simpson Whipple broke societal norms, showcasing her courage and authenticity. Rose's contributions to literature and education remain noteworthy, reflecting her intellectual prowess. Her story reminds us of the importance of living authentically and embracing one's true self. Rose Cleveland's legacy continues to inspire, proving that even in the face of societal constraints, one can lead a life full of purpose and passion. Her journey through history offers valuable lessons on resilience, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. Rose Cleveland's life, rich in experiences and achievements, serves as a testament to her remarkable character and enduring influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Rose Cleveland?
Rose Cleveland, sister to President Grover Cleveland, served as the White House's First Lady before he married Frances Folsom. Not just a stand-in hostess, she was a woman of letters, deeply involved in literary pursuits and social causes.
Did Rose Cleveland write any books?
Yes, indeed! Rose was quite the author, penning works like "George Eliot's Poetry, and Other Studies" and collaborating on a romantic correspondence with Evangeline Simpson Whipple, which was later published, revealing a deep and passionate relationship between the two women.
What role did Rose Cleveland play in the White House?
As her brother's First Lady, Rose Cleveland took on the hostess duties with grace, organizing social events and ensuring the White House ran smoothly. Her tenure was marked by her intellect and commitment to social issues, setting her apart from many of her predecessors.
Was Rose Cleveland involved in any social causes?
Absolutely, Rose was a staunch advocate for women's rights and education. Her efforts extended beyond her time in the White House, as she continued to support various social causes, including the welfare of women and children, throughout her life.
How long did Rose Cleveland serve as First Lady?
Rose Cleveland served as the First Lady from 1885 until 1886, a brief period until Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom. Despite the short tenure, her impact was significant, remembered for her intellect and advocacy.
Did Rose Cleveland have any significant relationships?
Rose Cleveland's most notable relationship was with Evangeline Simpson Whipple. Their correspondence, filled with expressions of love and devotion, provides insight into their deep connection. This relationship is significant for its representation of same-sex love in the 19th century.
What happened to Rose Cleveland after her time in the White House?
After her White House years, Rose Cleveland continued her literary and social advocacy work. She lived much of her life with Evangeline Simpson Whipple, and they both spent their later years in Italy. Rose's life after the presidency was rich with personal and professional achievements, leaving a legacy of intellectual and social contributions.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.