Tag Archives: US history

William Howard Taft and the Bathtub(s)

William Howard Taft was a big baby who became a big boy who became a very big man. WHT: The Big Guy William Howard Taft (1857-1930) came from a very prominent Cincinnati, Ohio family. His father had served in Grant’s … Continue reading

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VP Charlie Curtis and His Data Base

Charles Curtis is one of our most obscure Vice Presidents, known only for being part  Indian, as they used to call it, and he was proud of it. Charlie the Kaw Charles Curtis (1860-1936) was a Kansan, born as the … Continue reading

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Jefferson Davis at Twilight

For a man with lifelong poor health, Jefferson Davis managed to live till eighty-one. The Three Careers of Jefferson Davis Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was a quintessential Southerner of the early nineteenth century: one who easily and capably gravitated into three … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Big Sister: Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Todd Edwards was the oldest of Mary Lincoln’s siblings. The Todd Family Robert and Eliza Todd of Lexington, KY had six children who lived to adulthood. Mary was the fourth. Eliza died when Mary was only seven; eighteen months … Continue reading

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Julia Grant and the Actress

Marie Dressler, probably forgotten today, was a mega-star character movie actress of the early 20th century. She starred with Charlie Chaplin – and Greta Garbo! Miss Dressler, Actress Marie Dressler (1868-1934) was a large woman, plain, and plus-sized. But she … Continue reading

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Mrs. Truman and the Housekeeper

Bess Wallace Truman would not tolerate any disregard to her authority. Bess Wallace: Homebody Bess Wallace (1885-1982) was the granddaughter of a well-to-do flour mill owner from Independence, MO. Her mother, Madge Gates, was a spoiled and self-centered woman, who … Continue reading

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John Quincy Adams: When The People Cheered

John Quincy Adams was a brilliant man of many substantive accomplishments. Popularity was not one of them. JQA: A Spectacular Upbringing By the time John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) was twenty-one, he was arguably the most cosmopolitan man of his generation … Continue reading

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The Invalid FLOTUS: Ida McKinley

Ida Saxton: Pampered Child Ida Saxton (1847-1907) was the eldest of three children born to James and Catherine Saxton of Canton, Ohio. Saxton was the town banker, lived in a fine house, and enjoyed a reputation as one of the … Continue reading

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Measuring George Washington

After the American Revolution ended, the State of Virginia wanted to honor its most renowned son with a commemorative statue. Finding A Worthy Artist Fine art and fine artists were a rarity in Colonial America, perhaps because people were more … Continue reading

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The Short Sweet Life of Willie Lincoln

  Despite the fact that Willie Lincoln died before his 12th birthday, he was arguably the happiest of the Lincoln family. Willie Lincoln in Springfield, IL William Wallace Lincoln (1850-1862) was named for his uncle-by-marriage. Dr. William Wallace, married to … Continue reading

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