The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-08-06
Death of Andrew johnson.

his seat to the floor, his right side being par
alyzed He retained his consciousness until
Friday night, and at an early hour Saturday
morning, surrounded by his family, peaceful
ly breathed his last. He was in the sixty-sev-
enth year of his age. Mr.. Johnson's body
was buried at Greenville, Tenn, on Tuesday,
with masonic honors. By the order OF
President Grant, the executive mansion and
the several departments of the government
at Washington were draped in mourning,
and all public business suspended there on
the day of his funeral.
The history of Andrew johnson illustrates
in striking manner the possibilities of life
in this country. With every surrounding
circumstance tending to keep him in the low.
est station in life, he succeeded by the rugged
force and energy of his character in raising
himself out of the depths of obscurly and ig.
norance until he reached the highest honor
that can be attained by an American citizen.
His life affords an enduring example for the
youth of the land. Although few need ex-
pect to reach the position Mr.. johnson did
yet his life shows that the way is open to all
and those who strive with the same persist,
ency of purpose that he did, will gain as high
place in the estimation of their fellows as
many who enter the race with greater advan.
tages. At the same time we cannot but re-
fleet that with the advantages of early edu.
cation Mr.. Johnson's life might have been
far different and perhaps more useful to man.
kind. He is described as diamond in the
rough, but with the polish of education, his
genius would have shone with clearer lustre
and reached farther into space.
Andrew johnson was born in Raleigh, N
c., December 90, 1908, and when only foul
years of age lost his father, who died from
the effects of exertions to save friend from
drowning. The necessities of his condition
were such that he was compelled, at the ear.
ly age of ten years, to be apprenticed to O
tailor in his native city, with whom he serv'
ed seven years. The remarkable fact is stated
in his biography that he never attended school,
n day in his life. While learning his trade
however, lie resolved to make an effort tc
educate himself, and this determination was
developed and stimulated by hearing books
read by gentleman of Raleigh, who was in
the habit of going into the tailor's shop ant
reading while the hands were at work. Ont
of the journeymen assisted johnson in learn
ing letters, and when he had acquired then
sufficiently he applied for the loan of vol
ume of speeches, principally of British states
men, which he had heard read in the shop
The owner made him present of it, and Iii
exercises in spelling were in that book b.
perseverance lie soon learned TO real, and Ii,
then applied himself to books from two t.
three hours every night, after working from
ten to twelve hours at his trade.
Having completed his apprenticeship il
the autumn of 1924, he went to Lauren
Court House, South Carolina, where he work
ed as journeyman for nearly two years.
While there he became engaged to be mar
ried, but the match was broken off by the vi
client opposition of the girls mother ant
friends, the ground of objection being MI
Johnson's youth and want Of pecuniar,
means. In May, 1926, he returned to Raleigh
where he procured journey work, and re
seek his fortune in the West, carrying witt
him his mother, who was dependent upol
him for support He stopped at Greenvile
Tennessee and commenced work as jour
neyman. He remained there about lively
months, married. and soon afterward he wen
still further westward, but failing to find
suitable place to settle, he returned to Green
vile and commenced business. Up to thi
time his education was limited 10 reading
rs he had never had an opportunity of learn
ing to write or cipher; but under the in
structions of his wife lie learned these an,
other branches. The only time, however, b.
could devote to them was in the dead o
night.
The first office he ever held was that of al
derman of the village, in 1928 He wa
twice elected to the same position. Ii
1885 he was elected TO the Legislature. III
opposed vigorously the internal improvement
policy of the State, which was then yer,
popular, and being again candidate in 1888
was defeated. In 1889 n reaction set il
against internal Improvements and he wa
reelected. In 1910 he stumped the State a
presidential elcctor upon the Dem ocrati,
ticket In 1871 he was elected to the Stat
Senate. In 1843 he was elected to Congress
and served there until 1868, when he wa
elected Governor of Tennessee. He was re
elected in 1865. AT the expiration of hi
second period as Governor lie was elected
United States Senator for n full term endinl
March 3, 1868. AT the outbreak of the civi
war he espoused the cause of the Union, ant
his position as Southern Union man, CAV,
him great prominence in those stormy times
In 1862 he was appointed military governo
of Tennessee, which position he resigned il
1855. In 1864, lie was elected Vice Prcsi
dent on the Republican ticket, with Abraham
Lincoln for President for his second term
Lincoln was assassinatcd on the 18th o
April, 1865, and the next day Johnson wa
sworn in as President. His clcmency to
wards the South drew upon him the hatret
of the ultra faction of tho. Republican party
and his impeachment followed. He was &C
quilted, and upon the close of his term of of
flee, he returned to Tennessee. On the 26tl
of January last he was elected to..the United
States Senate, after warm and protractct
contest, which was watched with eager in
terest by the whole country. His large po-
litical experience, his fearlcssness and bi
intimate knowledge of the secret history o
the civil war, induced the belief that III
would be n formidable adversary TO Genera
Grants aspirations for third term, and his