Category Archives: Nifty History People

Jefferson, Madison and Mellimelli

Piracy was not new in 1800. It had been around for centuries. The Barbary Pirates For centuries, North African countries then part of the Ottoman Empire, augmented their respective economies by state-sponsoring rogue pirates to plague commercial shipping on the … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Bad Hat Story

First the source. When she was a very old lady in 1931, Julia Taft Bayne published a slim volume called Tad Lincoln’s Father. It was her personal memoir of 1861-2, when, as a teenager, she spent a good deal of … Continue reading

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Poems by Presidents: The First-Ever Anthology

A Book Review Roses are red, Violets are blue, POTUSES, Politics. Poetry too? What a surprise! Editor Michael Croland has amassed a charming little array of actual poetry (ok, plus a few limericks and light verse) written by some of … Continue reading

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James Madison: Quarantined by a Hat

Hats Circa 1776 James Madison is seldom connected to a amusing (somewhat) story, so here is one to treasure! Head coverings for both men and women have always held an important place throughout history. Some religions demand them inside a … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln and Julia Grant: The CW Divas Part 1

The similarities were apparent; the dissimilarities were intrinsic. Mary Todd Lincoln (1818-1883) was seven years older than Julia Dent Grant. From Kentucky and Missouri respectively, they were both considered “westerners” in the early part of the 19th century. They both … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison: Little Payne, Little Pain

In many ways, Dolley Payne Todd Madison had a (1768-1849) charmed life. A loving childhood, her essential wants and needs met, and an exposure to the excitement of Philadelphia – the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the USA.   … Continue reading

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George Washington: I Can’t Tell A Lie: A Book Review

Stories and legends are vastly overlooked and an under-regarded part of history. They have been around since the beginning of time. Bible stories (and indeed stories connected with all religions) abound and are treasured. Aesop’s Fables predate Empires, and are … Continue reading

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Nabby Adams and the Royall Tyler Affair

The Enigmatic Miss Nabby Abigail (Nabby) Adams (1765-1813), the only daughter of John and Abigail Adams was a hard one to figure. By her mid-teens (considered courtin’-age, if not actually marriageable), she was considered a fine looking young woman, well … Continue reading

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Eliza Monroe Hay, the Irony of Good Feelings

The Era of Good Feelings The Monroe years 1817-25, are commonly referred to as “The Era of Good Feelings,” with fair reason. The country was at peace, following a military and economic misery known as the War of 1812. The … Continue reading

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Dr. Charles Leale: Forgotten Hero of Ford’s Theater

Ford’s Theater: April 14, 1865 Enjoying a pleasant night out, Abraham and Mary Lincoln and their guests attended a comedy at Ford’s Theater. Around 10:30 p.m. a shot rang out in the Presidential Box, and a scream was heard. Within … Continue reading

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