The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-07-01
CLIMBING THE LADDER OF FAME
The Percentage and Subsequent Lie
of Our Presidents.

From the Philsdelphis Times.l
Washington belonged to the highest
classes aud was known as q Virginia
gentleman. His family belonged tc
the aristocracy and was connected with
the English gentry. He began life as a
surveyor, but his social position was in
creased and he obtained wealth by mar
rying the widow GUSTS.
John Adams was the son of a farmer
and shoemaker, although his family had
been settled in Massachusetts, for seven
generations. The Adamses are one of
a few American families that can be
called historical. they are known in
politics, law, literature aHd statesman
ship. They are also known for their
wealth. John Adams was lawyer by
profession.
Thomas Jefferson was also a lawyer.
His family held a good, but not high,
social rank In Virginia. He made for
himself a great name for all time as a
legislator, an author, diplomatist and
a political leader, but his greatest
achievement was the writing of the
Declaration OF Independence. He came
into public life through the struggle be-
tween the colonies and England.
James Madison came from a wealthy
family of Virg1r1is planters. He was q
lawyer, but never practieed much at the
bar, having entered public life very ear
". He was great student.
James Monroe was also the son OF
Virginia planter and lawyer, but, ike
Madison, he went early into public life.
He served honorablf IN the army and in
many civil offices. He had q wide ex-
perience in public affairs and a thor
ough training in craftsmanship.
John Quincy Adams was the oldest
son of John Adams, and lawyer, but
his life was devoted to public service,
with few interludes given TO literary
pursuits. He was educated for states
manship by his parents, and had
larger and more varied experience IN
public life than &ny other President.
Andrew Jackson was poor boy,
whose early life was full OF hardships.
he came from poor Southern family,
and at manhood began the practice of
Jaws His pursuits were various. He
was o politician and served in both
houses of Congress. He was also
merchant, Judge, 8 planter and SOL
der.
Martin Van Buren's father was too
Door to give him an education, and what
ever he was he owed to his own exer-
tions. He struggled along, as many
poor boy is doing to-day, and eventually
obtained fair education and was adj
mitted to the bar, where he achieved
high position.
VIM. Henry Harrison's father was by
no means rich, but Virginia planter in
comfortable circumstances. He was a
sianer of the Declaration of Independ-
ence. The son entered the army early,
and his accounts as Commissary may
now be seen in the Treasury Depart
ment, and are fine specimens of clerical
skill. He occupied several trusts in
civil life.
John Tyler was the son of an eminent
Tirginian, who occupied many high
public offices. Tyler himself was ad
mitted to the bar when but 10 years old
He was for many years in the State
Legislature and was Speaker of the
Assembly. He was also member OF
Congress.
James K. Polk was the son of farm
er in moderate circumstances, and was a
clerk in a store. He subsequently
studied law and was O member of the
Tennessee Legislature for five terms.
He was fourteen years in Congress, and,
refusing q reelection, was chosen Gov
ernOr of his State.
Zachary Taylor was the son of poor
parents. His father was Col. Richard
Taylor, who won distinction in the Rev
olution. He emigrated to Kentucky
soon after his sons birth. The sons
life, after leaving the plantation, was
spent in the army. He was on duty in
Louisiana when elected President, and
he remained ct his post until he came to
Washington to be inaugurated.
Willard Fillmore was of the lIt1mblest
origin, and his early life was spent IN
close poverty. He served an appren-
ticeship OF FIVE years to the fuller's
trade. He subsequently educated him
self and became lawyer.
Franklin Pierce was the son of Gen.
Benjamin Pierce, a Revolutionary off
Ger. He taught school and studied law.
but as lawyer he was not distinguished.
He was in both houses Of Congress, and
when he entered that body was the
youngest member of the Senate. He
was Brigadier General in the Mexican
war.
James Buchanan was the son Of an
Irishman from the county of Donegal
who early settled in Pennsylvania. He
studied law, held several offices in The
State, was in both houses of Congress
and Minister to England. His public
life was long and active.
Abraham Lincoln, as every one knows,
was a rail-splitter and fatboatman, who
educated himself, became a great law
yer and was in Congress. As a writer
of the English language he had no SUI
perior.
Andrew johnson was of the lowest
origin. He learned the trade of tailor
and was so ignorant when he arrived at
mans estate that he could neither read
nor write. His wife TAUGHT him both
after he was married He was in the
State Legislature and in both houses of
congress.
Ulysses S. Giant was the son of an
obscure man in humble circumstances.
He graduated from West Point, but re-
signed from the army and became very
poor. He subsequently became the
greatest soldier of his time.
Rutherford B. Hayes
And row James A. Garfield may be
regarded as of humble origin-a canal
boatman, q school teacher, college
professor, preacher, lawyer, a legis-
lator, a soldier, lecturer, q Congress
man, etc.
How to Spend Thanksgiving Day.