The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1897-11-23
JoHNsoN's YOUTH.
How the President began Life in .
south Carolina Tailor's shop.

How the President began Life In .
south Carolina Tailor's shop.
Three-quarters of a century ago in
the little village of Laurens, in the state
Of South Carolina. there lived and la
bored at the tailor's trade a young man
who was destined to play an important
part in the affairs of the nation. Of
humble origin, and having had prac-
tically no educational advantages, he
had in his character the elements of
true manhood and by force of brain
power and ability attained the highest
position of honor and trust in the re-
public.
Andrew johnson left his home in
North Carolina by reason of trouble
with his employer, and went to the
then ultra exclusive and aristocratic
village of Laurens. He had no induen-
tiaI family connections, and was as
poor as the traditional church mouse,
his worldly possessions consisting only
of the clothes he wore. To one ac-
quainted with the social conditions of
the ante bellum south, the difficulties
incident to obtaining recognition by a
man handicapped as johnson was can
readily be imagined. The sterling
worth of the young tailor, however,
made itself felt, and demanded the adj
miration and respect soon accorded
him even by those who were wont to
consider one not to the manner born de-
serving of but condescending notice.
! Soon after reaching Laurens johnson
secured position in tailoring estab-
lishment, and this he held with perfect
satisfaction to his employers until his
return to his North Carolina home. He
was a painstalzing laborer, and took
/ commendable pride in doing his work
as perfectly as possible. A coat cut, fit
| ted and made by johnson is still in ex-
istence. 1t was made for Col. Henry C.
Young, a prominent lawyer and poll
| tician of upper California, and is now
treasured by his descendants as one of
| their most precious possessions. The
| fact that the coat is still in good state
Of preservation may possibly be taken
as an evidence of the excellency and
| durability of the work.
Johnson's stay at Laurens, brief as it
was, marked a very important epoch in
his life. It was there that he met his
! first love, Miss Sarah Word, charming
young woman of education and refine
nent, who saw in the modest and re-
firing young journeylnan tailor man
of character and strength and promise.
Johnson's regard for Miss Word was re-
ciprocated, and the young people en-
tered into an engagement to marry.
They were thrown constantly into each
others society, and the future presi-
dent of the United States once assist
ed his fiance in laying. stufhng and
! quilting a quilt. This quilt is now
owned by Mrs. J. F. Bolt, of Laurens,
granddaughter of Miss Word, who sub
sequently married William Hance On
i either side of the quilt are Miss Words
initials, IS. w. which were made,
stuffed and quilted by johnson, unas-
sisted. The enthusiastic young lover
! was very desirous of placing his own in
itials beside those of his sweetheart,
but this Miss Word would not permit.
The quilt was on exhibition at the At
lantic exposition last fall and attracted
much attention. National Magazine.
i THE CHRONICLE always gives the