The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-05-24
fFrom the State Press, Iowa Cityl
Sketch of the Life and Servi.
ces of Andrew johnson, 0f
Tenn.

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Tenn. @
Andrew johnson was born in Raleigh,
North Carolina, Dec. 90, 1893. When he
had scarcely reached the age of four years,
he lost his father, who died from the ef-
fects of an effort to save q man from
drowning. His mother was unable to af-
ford her child any educational facilities
whatever. He, therefore, never had the
advantages of attending school. It is
even said THAT during his younger years
he was an inmate Of tbs aims house of
Wake County, North Carolina, where he
remained until his tenth year. At that
age he was apprenticed to tailor in his
native city. He thus labored for seven
years. His lack of schooling, however,
was in great measure overcome by
strong desire to acquire knowledge, and
he spent much of his leisure time in edu.
eating himself. An interesting anecdote
is mentioned of his anxiety to learn to
read. A gentleman of Raleigh was in the
habit of visiting the tailor's shop and
reading while the apprentice and journey
men were as work. He read we'll, and
generally made his selections from VOL
ume of speeches of British statesmen.--
Young johnson listened with great de-
| Highland his frst ambition was to be able
to rsad and comprehend these speeches.
He at once procured an alphabet, and.
without an instructor, attempted to learn
to read. When at loss to know letter,
he applied for assistance to the journey
men with whom he worked After ac-
quiring his letters he asked the owner for
the loan of the book be had so often heard
read~ The owner gave him the book, and
some Instructions az to its use He soon
learned to read. At night. after having
finished his daily labor of ten or twelve
hours, he spent two or three in study In
1924 be completed hisapprenticeship, and
removed to Lawrence Court House, South
Carolina, where he worked as journey
man. Whilst there, he fell in love with
girl and eourted her. Mr.. johnson tells
me the story himself. The young lady saw
something more in him than her mother
was able to discern. She engaged herself
to him, provided he could get her moth
er's consent. Andy went on Sunday to
speak to the old lady. His heart failed
him till towards night, when he mustered
up courage and popped the question to
the mother. He says she broke out on
him in most terrible TRADE of abuse.
and said: g Y ou trifing, worthless vaga-
bond, do YOU suppose / am going to let
my daughter marry wandering journey
man tailor? know what you want; you
are too lazy to work. and you are after my
property" The old lady had four chill
dren and three negroes. This was her
fortune. In utter despair young john
son returned to the village mortified and
crestfallen. In May, 1872 s, be returned
to Raleigh, where he procured work and
remained pntil September. At this time
he removed to the West, taking with him
his mother, who was entirely dependent
. upon him for support. He stopped at
Greenville, Tenn, and engaged in work.
Remaining there about year. be married,
land soon after went still further West
Failing to fnd a suitable place to settle,
he returned to Greenville aud commenced
| business. At this time, Mr.. johnson s
education was limited to reading. Under
the instructions of his wife, he speedily
entered the higher branches. The only
time he could devote to his studies was
in the dead of night; but. forgetting the
i fatigues of liis daily work in his thirst for
knowledge, he svercame all the weakness
of nature, and rapidly acquired good
fusd of information. In 1928 Mr.. John.
son was elected to his first Office as alder.
man of the village. His satisfactory ac,
quittal of himself in this Office, led to his
Ere-election in 1929, and again in 1880
In the latter year he was elected Mayor
. and held that position for three years.
!, In 1885 he was elected to the State
Legislature. In the session of that yeal
he took a bold stand against the measures
! of internal improvement proposed By
some members, on the ground that i
would entail upon the State burdensom,
!. debt. The measure meeting the popula
. appreyal, in the election of the next yea
GS3O Mr.. johnson was defeated Il
1910 be was again q candidate. His pre-
| dlctions in opposition to the internal i'm
: proyement bill having been realized. h
was erected by large majority, In lS4
: Ihe served as Presidential elector for til
= State at large on the Democratic ticket
! He canvassed a large portion of the State
meeting on the stump some of the lead
ing Wing orators. In 1S45 he was cleo
e ted to Congress, serving by successive re
= elections until 1858. During his oaree
in that Office, he advocated the bill for re
funding the fne imposed upon Genera
jackson at New Orleans, in 1915, the an
= nexation of Texas, the tariff of 1886, th
: war measures of DIR. Polk's administra
, ton, aud homestead bill. In 1858
: was elected Governor of Tennessee, aite
n an exciting canvass. He was re-electe
in 1855 after another spirited contest. A
the expiration of his second period a
h Governor, in 1857, he was elected to th
= United States Senate for the term endin
: March 3, 1863. He, however, never con
- pleted his term. On March 4. 1862, b
l. was confirmed by the Senate of the I'm
"a ted States, Military Governor Of Tenne
see, with the rank of Brigadier Genera
with all the powers, duties and function
N pertaining to that Office, during the plea
,r ure of the President, or until the 10y
inhabitants of the State should organi
civil government, in accordance wi
Q. the Constitution Of the United States.
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