Tag Archives: Presidential history

Dolley and Her Sisters: The Merry Wives of Washington

Dolley Payne was the eldest daughter of eight; she had three younger sisters. Dolley Payne: Quaker Daughter John Payne, Dolley’s father was a convert to the Quaker religion, and like many people who choose their faith, was strict in its … Continue reading

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John Tyler Woos MRS. Gardiner

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler 1: On his twenty-third birthday, John Tyler (1790-1861) married Miss Letitia Christian, the daughter of a wealthy pedigreed Virginia family. The courtship was traditional, the marriage bore fruit: eight little Tyler’s made an appearance, seven living … Continue reading

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Abigail Adams, Mater Familias.

Abigail Adams raised four children of her own. She eventually raised nearly a dozen more as part of her extended family. Abigail’s Immediate Family Circle The four children born to John and Abigail Smith Adams were not a stellar bunch. … Continue reading

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George Washington Custis: Man in the Middle

George Washington Parke Custis was remarkable only in relationship to two giants, neither of whom he was actually related to. GW Custis: Fatherless Baby Only weeks after the fourth child and only son of John Parke Custis (1781-1857) was born, … Continue reading

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Louisa Adams, Neglected First Lady

No one had a better resume for becoming a First Lady than Louisa Catherine Adams. Louisa: Englishwoman of High Standing Louisa Catherine Johnson was born in England and well educated in a convent school in Paris. Her American father had … Continue reading

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George and Martha Washington: Dinner for Two

When George Washington married Martha Custis, he was a well-known personage in Virginia. Col. And Mrs. Washington For fifteen years, George Washington, former Colonel of the Virginia militia, lived in gentrified society, which included a seat in the House of … Continue reading

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Warren Harding: Bloviator of Nostrums and the Founding Fathers

A few men have the gift of speechifying pontifically and saying little. Like Warren Harding, 29th President. Warren G. Harding: Newspaper Man Warren Harding was one of the most affable men in town. He was easy going, a bona fide … Continue reading

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Burying General Grant

When General Ulysses S. Grant died in 1885, it was not a surprise. He had been ill for more than a year, and everyone knew it. Double Barrels of Woe In 1880, after an embarrassing semi-attempt at a third presidential … Continue reading

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Harry Truman’s Harried Christmas: 1945

The Sudden Presidency While political insiders had noticed Franklin D. Roosevelt’s physical decline, the country was in shock when their President – for twelve years and counting – died suddenly in Warm Springs, GA. His failing health had been generally … Continue reading

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Abigail Adams and the Inoculation Decision

Smallpox was an extremely contagious disease. The mortality rate was at least 30%. George Washington’s Decision Shortly after the battles of Lexington and Concord in mid-1775, George Washington, a former Colonel of the Virginia Militia and the highest ranking professional … Continue reading

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