The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-10-17
Presidents Of the United States.

s The youths Companion" publishes the
following for tho benefit of the rising gener-
alton: George Washington belonged by birth
to the famous class Of "Virginia gentlemen. y
His family ranked among the aristocracy.
being connected with the gentry Of England.
He began life as surveyor, but gained
wealth aud position by marriage with Mrs.
Gusts, wealthy aud accomplished widow
a story is told of his later years that poor
Virginian Of quality. whom he bad reproved,
retorted sharply, II should like to know,
George Washington. what you would have
been if you hadn't married the widow Gus
It's" Washington smiled, because the man
was unfortunate, but he rarely allowed such
liberties.
John Adams was a lawyer and the son of
farmer and shoemaker, Of a family that had
been settled in Massachusetts, for seven gen.
sratons. The Adamses are one of the few
American families entitled to be called his
torlcal They have won national reputa-
tios for brilliant talents, for eminent services
in politics and law, and literature, and states
manshp, and also for wealth, without which
no flmlly can compare with them in the num-
Der and rank of public Offices they have fill
ed I; in ancient Rome they would have been
called consular family. They are the Ad.
nmses OF Quincy, and in France, Charles
Francis Adams would be called NJ. de Ouiu-
cy. Quincy is an old French, or, rather 1
Norman pane, and appears in the Roll of
Battle Abbey. 1t has only territorial re-
lation to the Adamses. The name belonos
properly TO another great American family,
descended from an ancestor who was in the
battle OF Hasliug, A. D., 1866.
Thomas Jefferson wasa lawyer, and his IA
My held good but not high social rank ir
Virginia. His attention was attracted to
public life by the struggle between the Colo.
MES aud England, ending in the revolution
aud he made foz himself great name in hi,.
tory as legislator and author, DIPLOMAT +
and political leader.
James Madison was the son of a wealthy
Virginia planter, and was educated for =
lawyer. lie was hard student, and having
entered public life very early, never return.
ed to his profession.
james Munroe was also the son Of Vir-
glnla planter, aud educated for the bar. like
Mr. Madison. But the public troubles drew
him into political life in carly youth, aod
served with honor 10 the army aud in civil
pursuits. lie had large experience in no.
sities aud thorough training 10 statesman
ship.
John Quincy Adams was Che eldest son of
ohm Adams, and lawyer; but his life was
devoted to public service, with few inter
iudes given to literary pursuits. He was ed
ucated for craftsmanship by his parents, and
had a larger and more varied experience 10
public life than any other President.
Andrew Jackson came from poor South
crn family, and began the practice of law at
manhood. He was afterwards Judge. a
merchant, planter and soldier, and served
in both houses of Congress before he was
.aade President.
The father Of Martin Van Buren, was too
poor to give his son an education, but the
.nersy of the young man forced his way to
the bar, aud he became al acknowledged
leader among lawyers.
William Henry Harrison was the third son
Of Benjamin Harrison, Virginia planter,
and Que of tho signers of the Declaration
Of Independence. He entered the army ear.
~, but had also important trusts in civil life.
John Tyler was the son of an eminent Vir.
giuiar, man of high wealth, who had filled
many high Offices.
james x. Polk was the son of respecta-
bic farmer. and was educated as lawyer.
The father of Zachary Taylor was Col
Richard Taylor, who won distinction 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.
Miliard Fillmore was of humble origin and
served FIVE 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 Ben
jamin Pierce, revolutionary officer Of repu-
tation, and man Of public note, who was
chosen Governor of New Hampshire.
James Buchanan was the son of Penn
sylvauia farmer, aud entered public life ear
ly.
Abraham Lincoln vas born of very poor
parents, and SO were Andrew johnson and
Ulysses S. Grant, and so was Horace Greeley,
who is now candidate for the Presidency