The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-05-26
Andrew johnson.
INCIDENTS m TEE LIFE OF TEE Ex-rsEamHSE.

The following Is Is an II, extract from an article
in the May number of the XIX Century, from
the pen of fiex-Gov. BE. Perry sise.s
President johnson came to Laurens @: a.,
South Carolina, in 1927, and remained there
two yeara, working as a. journeyman tailor.
He came from North Carolina, where he was
born, and served his apprenticeship. Whilst
working at Lanrens he became engaged tosa
young lady in the neighborhood, and went cut
one Sunday morning to ask her mother, WHO
was widow lady, for the hand of her daugh-
ter. He told GOV. Orr that he saw by the old
lady's manner that she was not tayorably dis
posed towards him. Itwas late in the evening
question:" When he did so, the old lady told
him very plainly that her daughter should not
marry tailor, and intimated that she suspect
ed he wanted some of her negroes. The young
tailor boy and future President of the United
States, was 30 much mortified at the rebuff be
had received, that he determined to quit Lau-
rens, and did so the next day.
How unfortunate for the daughter was the
i'll Judgment of the mother. Had she given
her consent, her daughter might have been the
occupant of the White House, mistress Of ceret
monies and fashion in Washington, receiving
and entertaining foreign ministers and their
ladies, instead of being as she is, the humble
wife of poor and obscure man. On the other
hand, it might have disappointed the high des-
tiny of the tailor boy. Instead Of being Pres.
ident of the United States he might be still
pursuing his humble vocation. But this is not
very likely. A man with President Johnson,s
natural endowments, Intellectually and moralt
", could hardly pass through life in this Amer.
lean republic, without elevating himself and
acouiri1p honor and distinction -. 49,
It Is q remarkable and most wonderful TACT,
that President johnson never went to school 8
day in his life His father, who was most
worthy and excellent man, filling the office Of
town constable in Raleigh, North Carolina,
messenger of the bank and sexton of church,
died when his son was only two years old.
The family were left in poverty, and at the age
of ten years, Andrew was bound. as an appren-
tice to the trade Of tailor. Whilst working
as an apprentice, some one came into the shop
with book of speeches, and read one to the
boys. This speech delighted Andrew johnson
so much that he determined to learn to read
himself The book was given to shim, and In
this book, with the assistance of his fellow ap.
prentices, he learned his letters and learned to
read and after that, book Of some sort was
ever his constant companion. His wife taught
him to write and cypher after they married.
In the meantime he must have had his mind
we'll stored with great deal Of useful reading.
It has been said and widely circulated that
President johnson was incorporate. There
never was, perhaps, less foundation for such q
calumny. he has always been most tempe.
rate man throughout his whole life. This win
be testified to BY all who knew him intimately,
whether friends or foes. Messrs. Burt, Ashemore
and other members of Congress, who served
with him for many years, assure me that no
such thing was ever suspected whilst he wss in
Congress. Col Williams, of Greenville, Ten.
nessee, who has known President Johnson all
his life, and resided with him in the same vii
lage, and between whom there is bitter feud,
told me not long since that no one ever saw
johnson drunk, or suspected him Of drinking
to excess. In all my visits to the President,
in the day time and at night, I am sure hewas
never under the influence of spirits or wine, ia
the slightest degree When inaugurated ss
Vice President, he was in feeble health, and
Just before making his speech, he was advised
to take a glass of brandy. Not being accua-
toned to the use of spirituous liquors, it did
effect him, and the effect was noticed. This
first gave rise to SANDER.