Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt comments on William Beebe’s situation by writing that a man who takes another man’s wife should be held to instant account.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1913-09-05
President Roosevelt has heard that there is a letter detailing the adulterous activities of a postmaster, and would like Postmaster General Cortelyou to find it. If the letter is found, the postmaster is to be removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-16
William T. Hornaday clarifies the circumstances regarding the divorce of Curator of Birds William Beebe. Rather than a marriage of cruelty as reported, it appears that his wife fell in love with another man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1913-09-04
J. R. Breanan informs President Roosevelt about the immoral behavior of John S. Leech, who served as Public Printer in the Philippines. He hired George A. Tracy as foreman in Manila, and then seduced Tracy’s wife, Elizabeth A. W. Tracy. Tracy divorced his wife, who now lives in Washington, D.C., and was recently the victim of a jewelry theft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-17
United States Marshall Pritchard explains to Attorney General Bonaparte his conduct that might be relevant to the accusation of Dr. J. J. Dunning of McAlester, Oklahoma, that his wife lacks fidelity. Pritchard names several people who can furnish character references and offers further testimony.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-30
R. E. Holloway sends President Roosevelt background information that bears on the character of Laura A. Hull Morris. Holloway indicates that Morris was previously married to J. D. Highleyman (actually Samuel Locke Highleyman). While Mrs. Highleyman, Morris allegedly occupied a sleeper berth on a train with a man who was not her husband. Holloway believes it proper to provide this information in case there is an investigation. He includes names of individuals who will corroborate this story.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-01-18
George F. Murray recently shot and killed James German for having “caused the infidelity of his wife” while he was away on business. Murray will stand trial in Kettner tomorrow. Prior to this incident, Murray was a valuable officer in the mounted police service, and had previously served as a Rough Rider during the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
An anonymous “poor but respectable wife” expresses shock and outrage that Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt accepted an invitation to a musical given by Jessie R. Belmont who is an “adultress” [sic].
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906
A woman wearing a large hat and a red dress sits at a table in a nightclub with a man who is holding her hand across the table.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1912-05-29
Theodore Roosevelt advises his sister Anna Roosevelt that she must not marry William Sheffield Cowles yet because his previous marriage may not be entirely annulled. He has people researching the problem, but Cowles may have to return and sue his wife for adultery.
1895-07-19
Report on the problems with Mr. Hughes, a member of the consular service in Germany, including an affair he had and his wife filing for divorce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-03
Although Seth Pratt’s appointment as postmaster at Litchfield, Connecticut, has been confirmed by the Senate, opposition to the appointment has been raised, due to his previous adultery and subsequent divorce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-18
Pastor Hutchins urges President Roosevelt to withdraw his nomination of Seth Pratt as postmaster of Litchfield, Connecticut, due to Pratt’s infidelities.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-30