Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-21
A. JOHNSON, TAILOR.
fuo Pairs Of Ills Scissors stu Care
fully PrssFTed.
The Afssrward Presidents Early struggles
with Poyerty-Eiccted Mayor OF Greene
yiiie-Prjvate and Public Incidents.
ecorresponaence Of the pispatch.)

(Correspondence OF the Dfspatch)
GATE CITY, VA, December a.-Dr.
w, r. Edmonds. OF this place. has in
his possession two pairs Of scissors with
which Andrew Johnson worked as a
tailor at Greeneville. Tenn. One pair Is
about twenty inches long. and proper
tlonstely heavy. The other pair Is con-
sidsrably smaller.
Major A. n. Edmonds, the Doctors
father, who died about eight years ago.
was in partnership with johnson at
Creeaevllie, and the little shop in which
thoy worked stlll stands. with the sign
"a. Johnson, Tailor" over the door.
when they dissolved the partnership
Johnson made Edmonds present oil the
large scissors, ana they have been care
fully preserved.
Major Edmonds, often in conversation
with the writer, referred 20 the period
OF his association with Johnson as the
happiest part OF his life. Both were
young and struggling in poverty ana
both we're ambitious to rise. According
20 Edmonds's account. Johnson was quiet
and thoughtful, and regarded day
pussed without acquiring some useful
knowledge as entirely lost. He usually
kept an open book on the table be-
fore him, and would read between the
stitches" but never failed TO turn out
Good DAYS work at his trade. He prac-
ticed the most rigid economy. but pro-
vided plentifully for his mother wnile
she lived. and afterwards for his faith
full wife. who aided him TO some extent
In the prosecution Of his studies.
A MAGNANIMOUS FEAST.
On one occasion. when johnson had
been III for several days. and scarcely
able to work, n wealthy lady OF Greene
VILE called at the shop for suit OF
clothes for her son. which was TO nave
been finished that day. Johnson Informed
her that, owing 20 his III health, they
were a little behind with their work,
but the clothes would be ready for her
the next day. She became angry. ana
said that hereafter when she wanted
work done she would seek a shop where
they wouldn't make her lying promises
johnson did not return a word. AS the
lady turned TO leave the shop a little
girl. whose mother was known 10 be IN
destitute circumstances and Ill. entered
and asked her for assistance. she
harghtily babe the child BECOME as she
did not want TO be bothered with
wretehed beGgars." johnson quietiy
arose and handed the little girl dollar
all the money he had In his pocket JUST
at This instant two gentlemen OF the
town entered. and seeing Johnson's gene
rous act. each followed his example, and
the child went away happy. The naughty
lady became greatly confused. and STAN
mered an apology 10 Johnson for her I'M
kind language "Ah, lady, said ne
''your reproaches hurt me little. since be-
meath this shabby coat beats heart TOO
magnanimous TO notice such tribes
ELECTED MAYOR.
On the following week. through the In
fiuence OF the two gentlemen, Andrew
johnson was elected Mayor OF Greene
Vile. and soon entered upon that series
of political successes that have made him
so famous.
MADE THE SUIT.
When johnson was elected Governor OF
Tennessee Major Edmonds had laid aside
the tailors trade and was keeping
hotel at Rogersville. Tenn. The Cover
nor-elect wrote 10 his old friend, and
IokIngly requested him TO make him a
suit OF clothes. The Major made the
clothes. and in this suit Johnson was
,naugurated.
NOT TO BE OUTCOME.
In 1851, / think II was, johnson was
elected 10 the Legislature from Greene
,ounty. and in the Legislature made the
OF Aaron V. Brown, after
wards Governor of Tennessee. They were
warm friends through life, though IRE
quentiy bitterly opposed TO each other on
questions. Brown was born and
educated in Virginia, and learned the
trade in shop on ms
fathers farm. While Johnson was Cover
nor Brown went TO shop and made
neat pair Of tongs. shovel, and andirons'
which he sent TO johnson as present
johnson. not 10 be outdone, procured ma
terial. and made fine suit Of clothes for
Brown. TT
These and many other pleasant incl
dents made up the private life OF the
man who stood. Ike Leon'-
das at Thermopylae. as a barrier to the
Incursions Of the North against MS De
loved South In the dark and trying days
,s raconStructiOn.