The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-18

Amis' Historical Raleigh | found that
the tombstone was erected in 1867, when
Andrew Johnson was President. Presi-
dent Johnson himself came to Raleigh to
be present at the exercises which were
held that day. While here he was ban
quoted by Mr.. James Litchford, the tailor
to whom Andy was apprenticed when
just ten years old.
The career of Andrew Johnson from his
birth until the time he became Presi-
dent is an eventful one. Being born CT
what was known at that time as n
poor white family" and through his
own efforts rising to the highest posi-
ton in the bestowal of the American
people is an accomplishment character
istic of the true American. The story
of his life should encourage every poor
American boy.
When Andrew Johnson was ten years
old he was apprenticed to a tailor by
the name of James Litchford. 1t was
the custom in those days to apprentice
the poor boys to a master of some trade
This master they would have to serve
until they were twenty one years of age
Andrew stayed with Mr.. Litchford for
several years. firing of this monotCnous
life and with a longing to see the world
he concluded to run away. Now for an
apprentice to leave his master before
his term of apprenticeship was over was
a misdemeanor in North Carolina at
that time. To get out of town without
being noticed, Andrew sought the aid of
his bosom friend, Neal Brown. Brown
carried his carpet bag containing all
his earthly possessions, to a safe dis
tance from the town limits. Andrew
took another route, but Joined Neal on
the, road some miles from town. Here
he babe his friend good bye. After
many weary days Of travelling on foot
he arrived at Laurens Court House, a
small but thriving town in South Caro-
lima. Here Andrew concluded to stop.
At Iaurens Court House he concluded
to settle and establish a tailor shop I'm
der his own name 1t was in this place
that he was the principal in q romance
which, If 1t had been successfully con-
summated, might have changed the
course of his life. He never would have
been President. He fell desperately liz
love with the radiantly beautiful daugh-
ter of wealthy planter of that section.
This planter was one of that old type OF
Southern gentlemen who owned thou
sands of acres of land, hundreds of negro
slaves, who sat upon the vcranda on
the shady side OF the house drinking
mint juleps." and was as full Of pride
as hornets nest is of holes Andrew
being a tailor presented d prosperous ap-
Pearance, so the old planter, not know
ing his parentage, out of Southern cour-
tesy, allowed him the hospitality of his
home Andy took advantage OF his CD
portunity and pressed his suit with ar
dor. He was so assiduous in his attcn-
/. tions that he won the consent of the
girl TO marry him. But just as he was
succeeding in his suit so we'll a vague
rumor reached Laurens. 1t was to the
effect that Andy was an escaped appren-
tice This rumor reached the ears Of
Andy's prospective father-in-law All of
his Southern pride at once asserted Itself.
lie put an investigation on foot and
soon was in possession of the facts Andy
was forbidden admission to his home He
was courteously but sternly told that no
poor white" could marry his daughter.
Andy did not intend to give UP his prize
so easily-so he devised a bold scheme
to abduct the girl. She was made aware
of his plans and -eadily consented to
them. He was to meet her as soon after