Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City in 1858. Theodore Roosevelt was born a sick child and struggled hard to overcome this hardship and succeeded. Overcoming struggle and dealing with adversity became a theme in Roosevelt's life. In 1884, Theodore lost his first wife Alice and his mother on the same day. It took Roosevelt two years to recover from this sorrowful event. He total recovery was marked by his second marriage to Edith Carow in December 1886. Theodore Roosevelt's life was marked by many remarkable accomplishments. Roosevelt was lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider Regiment. This regiment fought quite courageously in the Spanish-American War. In 1898 Roosevelt, a public hero, ran for governor in New York State. He easily won and became an excellent governor. The next step on the political ladder for Theodore Roosevelt was the quest for the presidency. In 1901, Roosevelt won the election for presidency and took the nation by storm with his progressive tactics. Roosevelt instigated his changes mainly in the economy of America. He prosecuted large mergers or trusts that sought to monopolize their markets. This policy earned Roosevelt the reputation as, "a trust buster." Another project Roosevelt undertook was the Panama Canal. Roosevelt felt a shortcut through Central America connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans would be very significant. Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation of this canal. Roosevelt led the United States into the 20th century in grand style with his tireless attitude. Whether winning the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating a war or creating National forests, Roosevelt applied his, "seize the moment" philosophy to American culture. In 1919 Roosevelt was assassinated by a zealot while campaigning for president in Milwaukee. A great man and a great leader, Roosevelt was a true American hero.