He first tried the law profession by enrolling in Columbia University. He did
             not enjoy it and soon left school. He published his first book in 1882 it was
             entitled "The Naval War of 1812". He had begun work on it while still at
             Harvard. Then Teddy decided that he would try a career in politics. His first
             position was on the state assembly in the state of New York. He ran as a
             republican and won the position easily. At this position he did two major
             things: first he exposed a corrupt judge and secondly he learned to work with
             men from both parties. Instead of going for a second term of legislature he
             decided that he would go to the Republican National Convention in Chicago.
             He went as the chairman for the New York delegation.
             While Roosevelt's professional life was flourishing his personal life was
             not in very good shape. In 1884 both his wife and mother died. His wife died
             while giving birth to their daughter, Alice. Roosevelt would take a break from
             politics and form the Elkhorn ranch on the Little Missouri River in the Dakota
             Territory. On his ranch he led the life of a cowboy. He would round up cattle
             and ride horses all day. It was a good break for Roosevelt. One story tells of
             Roosevelt capturing three thieves and holding them at gun point for 6 days
             until they reached the proper authorities. Also during this time Roosevelt
             wrote 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 and
             Carow went to London to be married. When they returned to the United
             States Roosevelt set his mind back on politics.
             He was very active in the presidential campaign of 1888 when Benjamin
             Harrison defeated Grover Cleveland. Roosevelt believed in hiring government
             workers on their skills not based on their party affiliation. At the time the
             winner of the race would hire ...