Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-04-20
P-e.13ent Andrew johnson.

PresIdent Andrew johnson.
81 The history of the new President of the
Republic is one Of uncommon interest and
iustructiveness, revealingss ss it does the way
in which the beniheent character Of cur
institutions allows men Of the humblest
station, if they be industrious and Persever-
ing, to rise to the highest positions in the
gift Of the people. Andrew johnson was |
born in Raleigh, North Caroline, on the
2slh of December, 1903. When four years OF
agebis father died from over-exertion tosaVe |
a friend from drowning. At the age OF
ten he was apprenticed to tailor in bis
native CITY, with whom he served seven
wears. Bis mother was very poor, and he
never attended school day in his life
but by perseverance and some assistance
from his felow-workmeD, he Learned TO
read, studying two or three hours every
night, alter working from ten to twelve
hours day. In 1924 he went to LsurenH
Court House, N. O. and worked at his
trade two years. In 1925 he returned to
Raleigh, and in the autumn Of that year
emigrated, with his mother TO Greenville,
Tenn. where he commenced work as jour
ueymAn. Within the first year of his
stay in this town he n srried, and, still be-
ing consumed with thirst for knowledge,
made his wife his schc olmistress, and learn
ed from her, first how to write and cipher,
and then other branches of knowledge,
studying always at night, after the days
work was done. In 1928, johnson was
elected Alderman of the village, and re-
elected in 1929 and 1880. In the
latter year he was chosen Mayor,
remaining in this position for three
wears. In 1888 he was elected 70 the Le-
eislAture, where he too strong ground
against scheme of internal improvement
The measure was popular, however, and
in 1887 he was defeated. But the course
of time vindicated his position, and in 1889
he was again elected. In 1s4o he served
az presidential elector for the State at
large on the Democratic ticket. He can
vassed a large portion Of the State, meet
ing upon the stump several of the leading
Whig orators. In I84I he was elected
to the State Senate. In Is43 he was
elected to Congress- where, by success
siye elections, he served until 1853.
In that year he was elected Governor of
Tennessee, after an exciting canvass. in
which he was opposed by Gustsvus A.
Henry. He was re- elected in 1855, after
another active contest his competitor be-
ing Meredith P. Gentry. At the expira-
lion of his second period IS Governor, in
1857, he was elected United States sena-
tor for full term, ending March 8, 1863
On the 7th of March, 1862, Senator
johnson was appointed Military Cover
nor of Tennessee, with the rank of Briga-
dier General He Immediately entered
upon his duties, and prob the most
eventful and memorable period of his life
was the three years ending on the Sd ol
March, 1855 when he resigned his po-
sition of Provisional Governor
for in this period he had the
proud satisfaction of knowing that
his State had passed through the most ter
rible ordeal, and finally emerged by the
adoption of amendments 10 the Federal
Constitution forever abolishing slavery and
the right to hold property in man. On the
9th of June, 1854, the National Union Con-
vention at the city of Baltimore nominated
Andrew johnson for Vice President on the
ticket with Abraham Lincoln for President
On the 9Th of November of the same year he
was triuuphsntly elected. On the 4th Of
March, 1866, he was duly inaugurated as
Vice President, and on the 18th day Of
April, 1866, Andrew johnson was inaugur-
sted President of the United States, in con-
sequence of the sudden and unexpected de-
cease of Hon. Abraham Lincoln.