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Juliette Gordon LowAmerican leader and founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA
Date of Birth: 03.10.1860
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Juliette Gordon Low
Early LifeJuliette Gordon Low, born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon, was born on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. Her mother's family had come from Chicago, while her father served as a Confederate captain during the American Civil War. She was known by her friends and relatives as "Daisy" and "Little Ship." During the war, she lived with her grandmother and grandfather and loved hearing stories about her great-grandmother, who had been captured by Native Americans and referred to as "Little Ship Under Full Sail." Adopted by Seneca Chief Cornplanter, she lived with the tribe for many years before being allowed to return home.
Education and Marriage
Juliette received her education at various prestigious boarding schools, including the Virginia Female Institute and Mesdemoiselles Charbonniers. At the age of 25, she suffered from an ear infection that required treatment with silver nitrate. This treatment resulted in damage to her ear, causing her to lose most of her hearing. She married William Mackay Low, the son of a wealthy cotton merchant, when she was 26 years old. Their wedding took place on December 21, 1886, coinciding with her parents' 29th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, Juliette's marriage was childless, and she endured financial difficulties after her husband's death in 1905.
Girl Scouts
In 1911, Juliette met Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, and his sister Agnes. They bonded over their shared passion for sculpture and art. While living in the UK, Juliette served as a leader for the Girl Guides in Scotland and London. In 1912, she made a historic phone call to her cousin Nina Pape, saying, "Come quickly! I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!" On March 12, 1912, Juliette gathered 18 girls to form the first American Girl Guides troop, with her niece Margaret "Daisy Doots" Gordon becoming the first registered member. The organization changed its name to the Girl Scouts the following year. Juliette served as the organization's president until 1920, when she was recognized as the founder.
Personal Life and Legacy
Juliette, also known as Daisy and Little Ship, was known for her charm and eccentricity. She was often remembered for standing on her head during a meeting to showcase her new scout shoes. She was a poet, playwright, artist, and sculptor. Throughout her life, she had a strong affection for animals, particularly exotic birds, mockingbirds, cats, dogs, and horses. Juliette Gordon Low battled breast cancer in 1923 but kept it secret and continued her dedication to the Girl Scouts. She passed away from cancer on January 17, 1927, and was buried in a Girl Scout uniform at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah.
In Savannah, Georgia, tourists and locals can visit three historical sites associated with Juliette's life: The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, The Andrew Low House (her post-wedding residence), and The Girl Scout First Headquarters, which she transformed into the Girl Scout headquarters.
