The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1872-11-21
OUR PRESIDENTS.

OUR PRESIDENTS. go saa
AS the Presidential contest has Just closed,
it may be interesting to look over the past,
and inquire into the social standing Of former
Presidents:
George Washington belonging by birth to
the famous class Of "Virginia gentlemen"
His family ranked among the aristocracy, be-
ing connected with the gentry Of England.
He began life as a surveyor, but gained wealth
and poetion by marriage with Mrs. Custis.
a wealthy and accomplished widow. A story
is told Of his later years, that poor Virginian
of quality, whom he had reproved, retOrted
sharply, IL should like to know. George Wash
ngton, what you would have been if you hadn't
married the widow Custis." Washington
smiled, because the inan was poor and unfortu-
nate, but he rarely allowed such liberties.
John Adams was lawyer, and the son of
farmer and shoemaker, Of family that has
been settled in Massachusetts for seven genera
tions. The Adamses are one of the few Amer
lean families entitled to be historical. They
have won a national reputation for brilliant
talents for eminent services in politics, and
law. and literature, and craftsmanship, and
also tor wealth, without which no family can
long be kept up. No other family can compare
with them in the number and rank of public
Offices they have filed; in ancient Rome they
would have been called Consular family
They are the Adamses OF Quincy, and in France
Charles Francis Adams would be called NJ de
Quincy. Quincy is an old French, or rather
a Norman name. and appears in the Roll Of
Battle Abbey. 1t has only territorial rea-
ton to the Adamses. The name belongs prop
erly 10 another great American family des-
cended from an ancestor who was in the battle
of Hastings. a. d. lOO6.
Thomas Jefferson was lawyer, and his fam
lily held good. but not high. social rank in
Virginia. His attention was attracted to pub
lie life by the struggle between the Colonies
and England. ending in the Revolution, and be
made for himself great name in history as a
legislature, an author, diplomatist and po-
tical leader.
Virginia planter, and was educated for law
yer He was n hard student, but having en-
tered public life very early, never returned to
his profession.
James Monroe was also q son OF Virginia
planter alr educated for the bar, like Mr.. Mad
ison But the public troubles drew him into
political life in early youth. and he served with
honor in the army and in civil pursuits. He
had large experience in politics. and thor
oueh training in craftsmanship.
John Quincy Adams was the eldest son Of
John Adams. and lawyer; but his life was
devoted to public service. with few inter-
ludes given TO literary pursuits. He was edu-
Gated for craftsmanship by his parents, and had
a larger and more varied experience in public
life than any other President.
Andrew Jackson came from poor Southern
family, and began the practice "f law at man.
hood He was attcrward Judge. a merchant,
planter and soldier. and served in both
Houses Of Congress before he "; made Pres
ident
The Father of Martin Van Buren, was too
poor To give his son an education. but the en-
ergy of the young man forced his way to the
bar, and be became an acknowledged leader
among lawyers.
WIN. Henry Harrison was the third son Of
Benjamin Harrison. a Virginia planter. and
one Of the siQners Of the Declaration Of lnde.
pendence. lie entered the army early. but
had also important trusts in civil life.
John Taylor was the son Of an eminent Vir.
ginian man of large wealth, who had filled
many high Offices.
James X Polk was the son Of respectable
farmer, and was educated as a lawyer.
The father Of Zachary Taylor was Col.
Richard Taylor. who was distinguished in the
Revolution, and emigrated to Kentucky soon
after his sons birth. The sons life, after
leaving the plantation. was spent in the army
until his election to the Presidency.
Millard Fillmore was Of humble origin, and
served Eve years as an apprentice to fuller's
trade. He was self educated, became law
yer. and soon won distinction in public life.
Franklin Pierce was the son of Gen. Benja.
min Pierce. revolutionary officer Of reputa-
ton, and man OF public note, who was chosen
Governor Of New Hampshire.
James Buchanan was the son Of a Pennsyl.
vania farmer, and entered public life early.
Abraham Lincoln was born Of very poor
parents. and 60 were Andrew johnson and
Ulysses S. Grant.
All our Presidents have had high social
rank, some Of them born to it, and others at
tanning it BY the profession Of law or arms
Youths Companion.
THERE is a boy in Washington four and