He first tried the law profession by enrolling in Columbia University. He didnot enjoy it and soon left school. He published his first book in 1882 it wasentitled The Naval War of 1812. He had begun work on it while still atHarvard. Then Teddy decided that he would try a career in politics. His firstposition was on the state assembly in the state of New York. He ran as arepublican and won the position easily. At this position he did two majorthings: first he exposed a corrupt judge and secondly he learned to work withmen from both parties. Instead of going for a second term of legislature hedecided that he would go to the Republican National Convention in Chicago. He went as the chairman for the New York delegation. While Roosevelts professional life was flourishing his personal life wasnot in very good shape. In 1884 both his wife and mother died. His wife diedwhile giving birth to their daughter, Alice. Roosevelt would take a break frompolitics and form the Elkhorn ranch on the Little Missouri River in the DakotaTerritory. On his ranch he led the life of a cowboy. He would round up cattleand ride horses all day. It was a good break for Roosevelt. One story tells ofRoosevelt capturing three thieves and holding them at gun point for 6 daysuntil they reached the proper authorities. Also during this time Rooseveltwrote 2 more books (Hunting Trips of a Ranch Man and Thomas Hart Benton)and fell in love with Edith Kermit Carow. On December 2, 1886 Roosevelt andCarow went to London to be married. When they returned to the UnitedStates Roosevelt set his mind back on politics.He was very active in the presidential campaign of 1888 when BenjaminHarrison defeated Grover Cleveland. Roosevelt believed in hiring governmentworkers on their skills not based on their party affiliation. At the time thewinner of the race would hire every one that had helped them win the raceeven if they were not qualified for the position. Harr...
