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A photo of Lou (Henry) Hoover

Lou (Henry) Hoover 1874 - 1944

Lou (Henry) Hoover of New York City, New York County, New York United States was born on March 29, 1874 in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA. She was married to Herbert Clark Hoover on February 10, 1899 in Monterey, Monterey County, CA, and they were together until Lou's death on January 7, 1944 in New York City, New York County, NY. She had children Herbert Charles Hoover and Allan Henry Hoover. Lou Hoover was buried on January 12, 1944 in West Branch, Cedar County, IA.
Lou (Henry) Hoover
New York City, New York County, New York United States
March 29, 1874
Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
January 7, 1944
New York City, New York County, New York, United States
Female
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Lou (Henry) Hoover's History: 1874 - 1944

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  • Introduction

    Lou Henry Hoover, born on March 29, 1874, in Waterloo, Iowa, was a woman of remarkable intellect and influence. As the wife of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, she served as the First Lady from 1929 to 1933. Lou was not only a distinguished figure in the political sphere but also a trailblazer in her own right. Educated as a geologist and linguist, Lou's early career included working for the United States Geological Survey. Her expertise in languages and her passion for exploration led her to travel extensively, making valuable contributions to her field. During her tenure as First Lady, Lou brought her sharp intellect and cultural appreciation to the White House. She championed various social and humanitarian causes, leaving a lasting impact on the role of the First Lady. Beyond her public life, Lou Henry Hoover was a woman of many talents, known for her proficiency in several languages, her love of outdoor activities, and her commitment to fostering cultural exchange. Her legacy is one of intelligence, advocacy, and a pioneering spirit that transcended the traditional expectations of women in her time.
  • 03/29
    1874

    Birthday

    March 29, 1874
    Birthdate
    Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa United States
    Birthplace
  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Lou Henry Hoover's ethnicity is primarily Caucasian, and her family history reflects the tapestry of American heritage. Born on March 29, 1874, in Waterloo, Iowa, she came from a family rooted in the heartland of the United States. Lou's family history, like many in America, may encompass a mix of European ancestry, contributing to the diverse cultural heritage that characterizes the nation.
  • Nationality & Locations

    Born in Waterloo, Iowa, on March 29, 1874, she spent her formative years in the heartland of the United States. After her early years in Iowa, Lou embarked on a transformative chapter when she moved to California to attend Stanford University. Stanford, located in Palo Alto, became a significant location in her life. It was at Stanford that she pursued her passion for geology and languages, breaking ground as one of the university's early female geology students. Following her time at Stanford, Lou's life took her to China, where she and her husband, Herbert Hoover, lived during his work in various capacities, including his role as a mining engineer. Their time in China allowed Lou to deepen her understanding of different cultures and languages. As Herbert Hoover's career progressed, the couple lived in various locations, including London, Australia, and Belgium, as part of his work in mining and humanitarian efforts. These global experiences expanded Lou's worldview and enriched her understanding of international affairs. Ultimately, the Hoovers returned to the United States, where they settled in Washington, D.C., during Herbert's political career. Washington, D.C., became a central location for Lou during her time as First Lady from 1929 to 1933.
  • Early Life & Education

    Lou Henry Hoover, born on March 29, 1874, in Waterloo, Iowa, entered the world during a time of profound societal changes in the United States. Her early life was marked by a spirit of curiosity and a hunger for knowledge. Growing up in Iowa, Lou exhibited an early aptitude for learning and exploration. She attended public schools in Waterloo, where her intellectual abilities began to shine. Her love for the outdoors and interest in geology were evident even in her youth, foreshadowing her future pursuits. Lou Henry's educational journey took an exceptional turn when she enrolled at Stanford University in California in 1894. At Stanford, she distinguished herself as a trailblazer, becoming one of the university's first female geology students. Her academic achievements extended beyond geology, as she also pursued studies in languages and literature. Lou's proficiency in languages set her apart, and she became fluent in several, including Latin, Greek, Chinese, and German. In 1898, Lou Henry graduated with a degree in Geology, making her one of the first women to achieve such a milestone at Stanford. Her educational path was a testament to her determination and intellect, paving the way for a career that would encompass both academic and public service pursuits. Lou Henry Hoover's early life and education laid the foundation for a life characterized by intellectual vigor, a love of exploration, and a commitment to breaking barriers for women in academia.
  • Religious Beliefs

    During her era, many individuals were associated with various Protestant denominations, given the predominant religious landscape in the United States. However, specific details about Lou Henry Hoover's religious beliefs or her affiliation with any particular religious denomination are not widely known.
  • Professional Career

    Lou Hoover made history as one of the first female geology students at Stanford University. In 1898, she graduated with a degree in Geology, breaking gender barriers in academia. Her passion for geology was evident in her early career, where she worked for the United States Geological Survey. Beyond geology, Lou was a linguist with proficiency in several languages, including Latin, Greek, Chinese, and German. Her linguistic skills were not only a testament to her intellectual prowess but also a reflection of her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. Lou's career took an international turn when her husband, Herbert Hoover, pursued a career in mining engineering and humanitarian efforts. Living in various countries, including China, Australia, and Belgium, she actively participated in community and humanitarian activities. During World War I, she worked on behalf of Belgian refugees and was involved in relief efforts. As the First Lady from 1929 to 1933, Lou Henry Hoover brought her unique background and interests to the White House. She advocated for children's causes, hosting events for young people at the White House and championing educational initiatives. Her tenure reflected a commitment to public service and the well-being of the nation's youth. Lou Henry Hoover also contributed to literature, co-authoring a translation of a Latin textbook and writing articles on topics ranging from geology to children's education.
  • Personal Life & Family

    Lou Henry Hoover's personal life and family played a crucial role in shaping her identity and contributions, both as an individual and as the First Lady of the United States. Lou married Herbert Hoover in 1899, and their partnership became a central aspect of her life. Herbert Hoover would go on to become the 31st President of the United States, and Lou served as the First Lady from 1929 to 1933. Their marriage was marked by a deep intellectual and emotional connection, and they shared a commitment to public service. The Hoovers had two sons, Herbert Hoover Jr. and Allan Henry Hoover. The family dynamic played out against the backdrop of Lou's multifaceted life, balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and a woman with her own pursuits and interests. Lou's dedication to her family extended beyond the confines of the White House. She was known for her advocacy for children's causes, including promoting education and the welfare of young people. As First Lady, she introduced a tradition of hosting children's events at the White House, reflecting her commitment to the well-being of the nation's youth. Her family life also included global experiences due to Herbert Hoover's work, especially during their time living in various countries, including China, Australia, and Belgium. These international experiences influenced her perspectives and added layers to her identity as a woman of the world. Throughout her life, Lou Henry Hoover was not only a partner to Herbert Hoover but also an individual with her own intellectual pursuits. Her fluency in multiple languages, love for outdoor activities, and involvement in various organizations showcased her multifaceted personality. The Hoover family's legacy goes beyond political accomplishments, leaving an imprint on the nation's history through a combination of public service, advocacy, and a commitment to family values.
  • 01/7
    1944

    Death

    January 7, 1944
    Death date
    Heart attack
    Cause of death
    New York City, New York County, New York United States
    Death location
  • 01/12
    1944

    Gravesite & Burial

    January 12, 1944
    Funeral date
    West Branch, Cedar County, Iowa 52358, United States
    Burial location
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Lou Henry Hoover - First Lady Palo Alto CA
Lou Henry Hoover - First Lady Palo Alto CA
Lou Henry Hoover was the wife of President Herbert Hoover and therefore First Lady. Their house in the Palo Alto (CA) hills is now the official residence of the President of Stanford University.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Harris & Ewing
Date & Place: in Palo Alto, California USA
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Lou Henry's Family Tree & Friends

Lou Henry's Family Tree

Parent
Parent
Partner
Child
Sibling
Marriage

Herbert Clark Hoover

&

Lou (Henry) Hoover

February 10, 1899
Marriage date
Monterey, Monterey County, CA United States
Marriage location
Lou's Death
Cause of Separation
January 7, 1944
Lou's death date
New York City, New York County, NY United States
Separation location
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Friendships

Lou's Friends

Friends of Lou Friends can be as close as family. Add Lou's family friends, and her friends from childhood through adulthood.
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