The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1875-08-19
HIS EARLY LIFE.


biographical RemiHiseeHces Of he Late Andrelo
johnson,
The Greenville Intelligeneer of Fri
day, of which Andrew johnson, Jr., son
of the late President, is the editor,
contains a lengthy biographical sketch
of MIR. johnson, written by Mr.. Sam
W. Small. 1t contains some interest
ing facts connected with the private
life of Andrew johnson, and cOrrects
some inaccuracies of previously written
biographies, which we copy:
his FIRST LOVE AFFAIR.
In John SaVage's Life of Andrew
johnson" the reader is given the belief
that Mr.. johnson loved and was dis
appointed In his affections by their
object. Such is not the case, SO far as
the conclusion is stated. He did fall
in love with a yonng lady of good
family and estimable character. She
responded in the fullest degree, and
both anticipated great felicity in
future life together. The parents of
the young lady, however, objected to
the marriage upon the grounds of Mr..
Johnson's youth Che was yet in his
minor years. and lack of means. Upon
hearing this, Mr.. johnson sought an
| interview with the young lady, told her
of the decision of her parents and of
the course he himself had resolved
upon. With his native high principle
he said there was nothing left to them
but to part and forget what they had
been to each other. The lady felt
otherwise, and frankly told him she
would go with him wherever he might
lead, and that she would not hesitate to
trust her life and its keeping into his
hands. The strong pride and love of
So rF NJ -
permit this, and, notwithstanding his
love, he denied the proposition and left
the place, only returning long years
after, when the lady was married and
the mother of a family. Thus, it will
be understood, that the lady did not
prove faithless and cause any wounded
feelings to the subject of this sketch.
HIS MARRIAGE.
After a time Mr.. Johnson went to
Rutledge, in Granger county, and re-
mained there some six months. Before
leaving and while absent, Mr.. Johnson
was paying his addresses to a young
lady who possessed a warm heart, strong
intellect, fair education and large indi-
viduality and strength of character.
Mr.. John Brown, who was then post
master, remembers that letters passed
between them during Mr.. Johnson's stay
in Rutledge, his being written for him by
some friend, they must have been. Her
name was Miss Eliza McCardell, and, up
on Mr.. Johnson's return, they were mar
ried, at Warrensburg, II miles below
here. He brought his wife TO Green
vile and rented a house which stood
upon the site of Mr.. Browns present
store, putting his family into the rear
portion and converting the front into
L,s1y .,r,1,x, - 10 L. 4 L.
self and HentIe W. Atkinson, his
partner.
PROGRESS IN LETTERS.
Mr.. johnson was hard student, and
every moment spared from his work was
given to his search into books. After
the days work was finished he would sit
until late in the night reading and
studying.
1t has been stated and generally believ-
ed that his wife taught him how TO read.
This is not the correct report. He had
learned how to read, but in learning to
write, to make calculations and properly
use language, she indeed gave him much
assistance, and she became to him
person of reference when he could not
comprehend some of the harder routine
matters in hand at the time. Mrs.
Johnson's education and sympathy with
him were great aids to him, and he
always referred to his early struggles
after learning with evident gratitude
for the part she assumed.
his FIRST CANVASS.
In 1895, Mai. James Britton, father of
David BrittOn, present clerk of our cir
cult court, announced himself q candi-
date for the legislature. The counties
of Greene and Washington were then
entitled to one representative foater
and Britton went to Jonesboro to oDen
the canvass. Mr.. Johnson quietly took
horse for the point. BrittOn made his
speech, with evident success. Matthew
Stevenson, the then foater, also made
speech, announcing himself for re-elec-
tion. Mr.. johnson then took the stand,
and to the surprise of the crowd, an
nOunced his candidacy for the position
and made a strong speech, full of native
sense and rugged eloquence, in which
he completely used up his opponents.
The crowd were carried with him ire
sistibly, and when he concluded, the
people went wild with enthusiasm, and
shouted Justify for " the speaking tail
Or" Britton withdrew from the race,
and Mr.. johnson beat Mr.. Stevenson
with large majority.