Bryan, Charlotte Lowe, 1867-1948

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1867

Death 1948

Biographical notes:

Indiana University alumna and wife of IU president William Lowe Bryan.

From the description of Charlotte Lowe Bryan papers, 1873-1937. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 43969266

Charlotte A. Lowe was born September 7, 1867, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended elementary and high school in Indianapolis and graduated second in her class from Shortridge High School in 1885. She entered Indiana University and graduated with an A.B. in Greek in 1888. In a letter by then-President David Starr Jordan, he wrote, "Her rank in college was the very highest--in many studies higher than any other woman who has graduated from the University." Lowe continued her studies and received her Master of Arts in 1889.

That same year, Lowe also married William J. Bryan, who changed his name to William Lowe Bryan in her honor. In 1902, WLB assumed the presidency of Indiana University, a position he held until 1937. Although quite ill throughout most of her husband's presidency, Charlotte remained an active member of the University community in her role of "First Lady." In addition to numerous other projects and involvements, Charlotte oversaw the design and construction of the Bryan House, which still serves as the President's home on campus today.

From the guide to the Charlotte Lowe Bryan papers, 1873-1948, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)