Nelle Wilson Reagan

Ronald Reagan with his mother Nelle 1950 cropped

Nelle Wilson Reagan (July 24, 1883 – July 25, 1962) was an American woman best known for being the mother of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, and Neil Reagan, a television industry executive. Her life and influence on her son Ronald, in particular, have been noted in biographies and studies of the Reagan presidency, highlighting her role in shaping his values, beliefs, and character.

Early Life

Nelle was born in the small town of Fulton, Illinois, to Mary Ann (née Elsey) and Thomas Wilson. Her upbringing in a devout Christian family, particularly within the Disciples of Christ church, played a significant role in her life, instilling in her a strong faith that she would later pass on to her children. Nelle's education and early life in Fulton laid the foundation for her strong work ethic, sense of community, and the importance of family values.

Marriage and Family

In 1904, Nelle Wilson married John Edward Reagan, a shoe salesman, with whom she would have two sons: Neil Reagan (1908–1996) and Ronald Reagan (1911–2004). The Reagan family moved several times throughout Illinois due to John's work, including to towns such as Tampico, Galesburg, and Dixon, which is often cited as Ronald Reagan's childhood home. Nelle was a homemaker who also engaged in various community and church activities, significantly influencing her sons' upbringing.

Influence on Ronald Reagan

Nelle Wilson Reagan's influence on her son Ronald was profound and multifaceted. She instilled in him the values of hard work, the importance of faith, and the belief in the goodness of people. Nelle's storytelling ability, often involving moral lessons, left a lasting impression on Ronald, shaping his communication skills and love for storytelling. Her involvement in the Disciples of Christ church led Ronald to become a lifelong Christian, which would later influence his political ideology and speeches as president.

Nelle was also known for her strong beliefs in temperance and was active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which likely influenced Ronald Reagan's policies on alcohol and drugs. Despite the family's financial difficulties, Nelle emphasized the importance of education and encouraged her sons to pursue their studies and interests, leading Ronald to eventually attend Eureka College, where he majored in economics and sociology.

Later Life and Legacy

Nelle Wilson Reagan lived to see her son Ronald embark on a successful career in Hollywood and enter politics, eventually becoming the Governor of California and later the President of the United States. She passed away on July 25, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, one day after her 79th birthday.

Her legacy is often reflected in discussions about Ronald Reagan's presidency, where her influence on his character, values, and policies is acknowledged. Nelle's life story and the values she imparted to her children are seen as integral to understanding the personal and political development of Ronald Reagan.

See Also

• Ronald Reagan
• Presidency of Ronald Reagan
• First Lady of the United States
• Disciples of Christ