The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1898-09-24
JOHNSON'S YOUTH.
How the President Began Life in q
South Carolina TailOr's Shop.

How the President Began Life in q
South Carolina Tailor's Shop.
Three-quarters Of q century ago in
the little village of Laurens, in the state
of South Carolina, there lived and Ia
bored at the tailor's trade 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 nltra-exclusive and aristocratic
village of Laurens. He had no influen-
tial family connections, and was as
poor as the traditional church mouse,
his worldly possessions consisting only
of the clothes he wore. To one &C
quainted with the social conditions of
the ante-bellum south, the difficulties
incident to obtaining recognition by
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 a 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 painstaking 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 a 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
ment, who saw in the modest and re-
firing young journeyman 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. stuffng and
quilting 2 quilt. This quilt is now
B owned by Mrs. J. r. Bolt, Of Laurens,
grand daughter Of Miss Word, who sub
+ sequently married William Hance. On
either side Of the guilt are Miss Words
# initials, rs. w. which were made,
stuffed and quilted by . ohnson, unas-
sisted The enthusiastic young lover
was was very DESTROYS Of placing his own in
itials beside those OF his sweetheart,
but this Miss Word would not permit.
i The guilt was on exhibition at the Al.
lantic exposition last fall and attracted
much l ,ls attention ational Magazine.