Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-10-21
ONLY TWO WERE WEALTHY.
The Presidents Have Been In Only
Moderately WeIl-t do Circumstances.

ONLY iWO WE'VE W6HEiH''
The Presidents Have Been In Only
Moderately Well-to-do Circumstances.
George Washington and Martin Van
Buren were the wealthiest men ever
elected to the presidency. but nearly
all the chief executives managed to
leave the White House we'll off, al
though some possessed little wealth
when elected.
Van Buren was 80 wealthy that he
did not trouble to draw his salary un-
til the expiration of his four years,
when he signed for 100000. Every
expense of the White House outside Of
that provided for by congress was paid
by Van Buren, out Of his own pocket.
George Washington did not need the
money for living expenses, but he
drew his money with as much regular
ity as the department clerks. He had
so much property to dispose Of that
his will covered twelve closely writ
ten pages and II put in type would
make five columns of a newspaper.
James Monroe's will contained only
1872 words. He was poor man. He
lived we'll, but not extravagantly,
while president, yet he left the White
House almost penniless.
Polk, Fillmore and Pierce were
wealthy men and left large estates
when they died. Madison, too, had
good bank account and plenty Of real
estate, but the money he left to Dolly
was scattered to the winds by
worthless relative. For her husbands
papers congress paid her $4,000, and
this was all she had.
Andrew Johnson was comfortably
well off, owning a mill, farm, store and
other properties at Knoxville and
Greenville, Tenn.
Buchanan was wealthy, too, as was
also Andrew Jackson. but the latter
was impoverished before death by as
suming the debts Of his son.
John Quincy Adams died rich. He
owned much property in Boston and
Washington. His will Is filed in the
recorder Of Wills office in this city,
and is Of great length. Like Andrew
Jackson, Mr.. Adams had a large col
lection of walking canes and these
were bequeathed to his friends.
Thomas Jefferson always, according
to history, made much display, and
was rated as wealthy, but in his old
age he was forced to cease entertain
ing with such a lavish hand at Month
cello. Congress paid him $4,000 for
large portion of his valuable library
and this sum was economically spent
during his last days.
William Henry Harrison was known
as an every day man, when In the
White House he cared little for style.
He saved 4 good portion Of his salary
and died moderately rich. His grand
son, Benjamin Harrison was likewise
economical, saved money and enjoyed
good law practice after h!s term.
General Grant while in the White
House lived we'll, but. at the same
time saved money, the salary Of the
president being raised from $4,000 to
$4,000 while he was serving his sec
ond term. General Grant had a larger
stable Of thoroughbreds than any 9TH
er president and when he took fancy
to a horse he generally managed to
buy it regardless Of the price. He was
not wealthy, although worth consider
able when his second term expired.
An ENHANCEMENT in a wildcat financial
concern led him to pledge his swords,
medals and gems to w. H. Wander
bilt for the loan of 100000 to clear his
name of the disgrace others had
brought upon him.
The most extravagant president was
Arthur, who not infrequently gave
dinners costing as much as $4,000.
When he went to the White House he
was worth probably half a million. His
predecessor, Garfield, died poor man.
The people raised 100000 for Mrs.
Garfield, and congress voted her a
pension Of $4,000 annually.
Hayes was accused Of parsimony
during his incumbency Of the White
his guests. Mr.. Hayes entertained lit
tie, but 1t was not because he was not
financially able, but simply because he
did not believe in great social func-
tions. Mr.. Lincoln was poor when he
entered the White House, and had he
lived to serve out his term he would
perhaps have retired worth only few
hundred more than he began with, for
he was not economical. Employees Of
the White House say that Mr.. Lin
coin gave away much money to people
whom he believed or knew to be In
distress.
Grover Cleveland was paying taxes
on less than eight thousand dollars
when he was elected president the
first time, but today he Is wealthy.
Mr.. Cleveland was not lavish spend
er during his incumbency Of the White
House, drew his salary with regularl-
ty and made investments in Washing
ton suburban real estate.
Mr.. Mckinley was poor when he en-
tered the White House. He was In
debt, but by frugal management and
the assistance Of friends he was accu-
mulating money when the assassins
bullet ended his life.
President Roosevelt was comfortably
fixed when he was called to the chlet
executives chair; not wealthy, but far
from poor. 1t is safe to say that
should he be retired by the November
election he will leave the White House
poorer man than when he entered