Ellen Wilson , President Woodrow Wilson's first wife who died in Wilson's first term, is often overshadowed by the President's second wife Edith. However, Ellen, took a special interest in the plight of the Negros living in slum conditions in small back streets of Washington. She became a stockholder in the new Sanitray Housing Company. She lent support by attending meetings of a group formed to draft legislation to present to Congress. However, Ellen, was taken deathly ill and on her death bed told the President that she would die more cheerfully knowing that the Alley Bill had passed. Word was sent to the Congress and the next day, the legislation was passed...and Ellen Wilson passed away.