Tag Archives: history

“Prince” John Magruder: Confederate Showman

John B. Magruder was the Confederacy’s master showman whose tactics have gone down in history as the best flim-flam of the Civil War. John Bankhead Magruder: Virginia Soldier John Bankhead Magruder (1807-1871) was Virginia born and raised, University of Virginia … Continue reading

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The Death of the First Mrs. Wilson

One of the most underrated First Ladies of the 20th century is the intelligent, gentle and multi-talented Ellen Wilson – Woodrow Wilson’s first wife. Ellen Axson: Georgia Peach The life of Ellen Axson Wilson (1860-1914) was bookended by war: Born … Continue reading

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Alice Roosevelt: TR’s Little Girl

The woman who would become the “other Washington Monument” had a tragic early childhood. Alice Lee Roosevelt: The Early Years Alice Lee Roosevelt (1884-1981) was born on February 13, 1884. The following day, February 14, her mother, also an Alice … Continue reading

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The “Romance” of Calvin and Grace Coolidge

Calvin and Grace Coolidge had a unique relationship, helped in no small part by their mutually wonderful senses of humor. When former First Lady Grace Coolidge was a widow, a reporter requested an interview. Genial by nature, Mrs. Coolidge was … Continue reading

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Lincoya: Andrew Jackson’s Indian Son

Andrew Jackson, Indian fighter, with no love lost on his enemies, adopted a Creek Indian baby and raised him as his own.  Andrew Jackson: Becoming the General At age forty, Andrew Jackson had been a major figure in Tennessee for … Continue reading

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Mrs. Harding and Mrs. McLean

For fifty years, Florence Kling Harding was a lonely woman, with few, if any, real friends. The Embattled Duchess Florence Kling (1860-1924) was the daughter of Marion, Ohio’s wealthiest and nastiest businessmen. His tyrannical ways resulted in Florence’s youthful escape … Continue reading

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Destiny of the Republic: A Book Review

Its subtitle, “A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President” says it all. The Assassination of James A. Garfield Shooting a President, his lingering death, unbelievably incompetent doctors and a deranged assassin makes for a fine and … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Tablecloth: A Metaphor

In an apt metaphor, Mary brought the tablecloth and the good dishes to the Lincoln table.     Mary Lincoln is unquestionably a divisive figure. She was divisive in her own time, and nearly two centuries later, remains so. People either … Continue reading

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Thomas Jefferson’s Enlightened Palate

Thomas Jefferson was always a slender man. He ate sparingly – but what he ate was always magnificently prepared from the finest ingredients available. Thomas Jefferson was unquestionably born with a brilliant and curious mind. As the poster  child of … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison’s Heartache: Payne Todd

Dolley and James Madison had no children of their own. John Payne Todd was the son of her first marriage.   Dolley and James Madison Are Wed  The Widow Todd, as she was then called, was helping manage her mother’s … Continue reading

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