Eldridge Family Genealogy & History

Sean Eldridge is a prominent Canadian-born American political activist known for founding Stand Up America, a major progressive advocacy community. As a former political director of Freedom to Marry, Eldridge played a crucial role in the successful campaign for same-sex marriage legalization in New York. His 2014 Congressional bid in New York's 19th district, despite being well-financed, ended in defeat. Eldridge's advocacy work includes campaign finance reform and support for abortion rights, immigration reform, and a minimum wage increase.

Sean Eldridge was born in Montreal, Quebec, and raised in Toledo, Ohio. His father, Steve Eldridge, is a radiologist, and his mother, Sarah Taub, a family physician, was born to Jewish refugee parents in Petah Tikva, Israel. His father's conversion to Judaism underscores the family's diverse cultural heritage.

Florence Eldridge, born Florence McKechnie, was a distinguished American actress renowned for her compelling performances on both stage and screen. Born on September 5, 1901, in Brooklyn, New York, Eldridge gained acclaim for her Broadway debut in "Rock-a-Bye Baby" and her notable roles in plays like "The Cat and the Canary" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night," which earned her a Tony Award nomination in 1957. Her film credits include impactful roles in "Les Misérables" (1935) and "Inherit the Wind" (1960). Eldridge and her husband, Fredric March, captivated international audiences with their unique stage performances.

Florence Eldridge was the daughter of Charles J. McKechnie and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she attended public schools. She married Fredric March in 1927, with whom she adopted two children, Penelope and Anthony.

Lisa Eldridge, MBE, born on October 26, 1971, is a renowned New Zealand-born, England-based make-up artist, entrepreneur, and author. She gained fame after working with Cindy Crawford for Elle magazine and served as the creative director for Boots No7 from 2003 to 2013. Currently, Eldridge is the Global Creative Director of Lancôme and was awarded an MBE for her contributions to cosmetics and fashion. She has worked with top photographers and brands like Prada and Chanel, and her YouTube channel has been instrumental in shaping the beauty industry. Her book, "Face Paint: The Story of Makeup," and her own make-up and jewelry lines further underscore her impact.

Roy Eldridge, known as "Little Jazz," was a pioneering American jazz trumpeter whose innovative use of harmony and virtuosic solos marked him as an influential figure during the swing era and a precursor to bebop. His departure from the dominant style of Louis Armstrong and impact on musicians like Dizzy Gillespie highlight his significance in jazz history. Eldridge gained early popularity through recordings with Teddy Hill and collaborations with Billie Holiday. His career included leading bands, playing with notable Harlem dance bands, and his nickname was coined by Ellington saxophonist Otto Hardwick.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Roy Eldridge was the son of Alexander, a wagon teamster, and Blanche, a talented pianist who could reproduce music by ear. His older brother, Joe Eldridge, was a diverse musician, playing violin, alto saxophone, and clarinet. Inspired by his family's musical talents, Roy began playing piano at five and later took up the trumpet, driven by his brother's encouragement and his mother's musical influence.