Early Life
Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon was born to William Washington Gordon and Eleanor Lytle Kinzie on October 31, 1860,in Savannah, Ga. Although named after her maternal grandmother, she was quickly nicknamed as "Daisy". By the time Gordon completed her formal education, she excelled in art classes; she continued to sketch, paint, and sculpt when she was an adult.
In January of 1885, Gordon suffered an injury which would decrease her hearing. The following year, Gordon almost became completely deaf due to another accident.
On the 29th anniversary of her parents' wedding, Gordon married William Mackay Low, in December 21, 1886. The newlyweds moved to England, but, despite their previos intentions, never returned to Savannah. They had no children.
Unfortunately, William left her for another woman, Anna Bateman, in 1902. He later asked for a divorce. When the divorce proceedings were underway, William died in 1905. Much to Low's suprise, he left most of his wealth in his mistress's hands. Low was left with only a small annual allowance. She argued against his will, and she became a wealthy woman after inheriting his property in georgia, and kept her residence in London. For the next several years, Low traveled all over the world, from India to Scotland and back to Savannah.
In January of 1885, Gordon suffered an injury which would decrease her hearing. The following year, Gordon almost became completely deaf due to another accident.
On the 29th anniversary of her parents' wedding, Gordon married William Mackay Low, in December 21, 1886. The newlyweds moved to England, but, despite their previos intentions, never returned to Savannah. They had no children.
Unfortunately, William left her for another woman, Anna Bateman, in 1902. He later asked for a divorce. When the divorce proceedings were underway, William died in 1905. Much to Low's suprise, he left most of his wealth in his mistress's hands. Low was left with only a small annual allowance. She argued against his will, and she became a wealthy woman after inheriting his property in georgia, and kept her residence in London. For the next several years, Low traveled all over the world, from India to Scotland and back to Savannah.
Founding of Girl Scouts of America
Not knowing what to do with her life, she spent several years for anything useful. Her search ended when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. He told Low of a new youth movement. Less than an year later, Low made a call to her cousin (Nina Pape) in Savannah, saying," I've got something for the girls in Savannah, all of America, and all of the world, and we're going to start it tonight!". On March 12, 1912, Low gathered 18 girls to make the first troop of American Girl Guides. Her niece, Margaret "Daisy Doots" Gordon, was the first registered member. It was officially called the Girl Scouts of America the following year. In the developement of the group, Low made sure girls of all backgrounds and disabilities take part of the outdoors to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. By maintaining conatct with overseas Girl Guides and Girl Scouts during the first World War, she helped create the foundation for the World Association of Girl Scouts.
Death and Legacy
Juliette Gordon Low was always fully participating in the Girl Scouts. Yet, for over 4 years (since 1923), she kept her secret of being diagnosed of breast cancer. On January 17, 1927, Low was proclaimed dead of breast cancer at the age of 66.She was buried in the uniform, in Laurel Grove Cemetery, representing the organization she founded which to this day continues to change the world. 3 years after of her death, 18 members grew to over 200,000 members.
On April 26, 2012, Low was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award a civillian is able to get.
Low was inducted into Georgia Women of Acheivement in 1992.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Ga is the Girl Scout National Center, and is operated by Girl Scouts to this day.
On April 26, 2012, Low was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award a civillian is able to get.
Low was inducted into Georgia Women of Acheivement in 1992.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Ga is the Girl Scout National Center, and is operated by Girl Scouts to this day.