The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1905-02-09
OUR RICH PRESIDENTS
Two Were Independent When
Taking Office.
OTHERS WELL TO DO
Washington and Van Buren, Were
Weslthy.-Arthur Said to Have
Been the Most ExtraVagant, His
Famous Dinners Costing Thou
>,.de of noII,re

Washington. - George Washington
and Martin Van Buren, were tho
wealthiest men ever elected to the
Presidency, but nearly all the Chief
Executives managed to leave the
White House well off, although some
possessed little wealth when elected.
Van Buren was so wealthy that he
I'd not trouble to draw his salary IN
a the expiration of his four years.
when he signed for 100000 Every
expense of the White House outside of
eAat provided for by Congress was
pAid by Mr.. Van Burep out of his
evn pocket.
George Washington did not necd
the money for living expenses. but he
drew his money with as much regu-
larity as the department clerks. lie
had so much property to dispose OF
that his will covered twelve closely
written pages, and If put in type
would make FIVE columns OF a nows-
paper.
James Monroe's will contained only
1e2 words. He was poor man. He
lived well, 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
q 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 hus-
bands papers Congress paid her $780,
900, and this was all she had.
Andrew Johnson was comfortably
we'll off, owning a mill, farm, store
and other properties at Knoxville and
0Yeenville, Tenn.
Buchanan was wealthy, too, as was
also Andrew Jackson, but the latter
was impoverished before death by as
Stunning the debts of his son.
John Quincy Adams died rich. Ho
owned much property in Boston and
I, Washington. His will is filed in the
| Recorder of Wills office in this city,
\ and is of great length. Like Andrew
I Jackson, Mr.. Adams had large col
tsction of walking canes, and these
we're bequeathed to his friends.
Thomas Jefferson always, accord
ing to history, made much display and
was rated as wealthy, but in old age
} he was reduced in circumstances and
was forced to cease entertaining with
such a lavish hand at Monticello.
Congress paid him $4,000 for a large
portion OF his valuable library, and
this sum was economically spent dur
ing his last days.
William Henry Harrison was known
as an everyday man, and when in the
White House he cared little for style.
He saved a 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 his term.
General Grant while in the White
House lived well, but at the same time
ae saved money, the salary of the Pres
sdent being raised from S25,000 to
10000 while he was serving his SEC
and term. General Grant had a larger
stable of thoroughbreds than any
President. and when he took fancy
% horse he generally managed to buy
Il regardless of the price. He was not
wealthy although worth considera-
ole, when his second term expired.
An ENHANCEMENT in wildcat financial
concern led him to pledge his swords,
medals and gems to w. II. Vanderbilt
sor the loan of 100000 to clear his
aame of the disgrace others had
arought upon him.
The most eXtravagant President
vas Arthur, who not infrequently save
lHlners costing as much as $4,000.
When he went into the White House
NA North nrnho hlu holf Il
ion. His predecessor, Garfield, died
poor man. The people raised $780,
400 for Mrs. Garfield, and Congress
voted her pension of $4,000 annually.
Hayes was accused of parsimony
turing his incumbency of the White
House because he offered no wine to
yuests. Mr. Hayes entertained little
put 1t was not because he was
aOt financially able, but simply
because he did not believe in
great social functions. Mr.. Lin.
coln was poor when he entered
the White House, and had he lived
20 serve out his term he would per-
haps have been retired worth only
a few hundred more than he began
with, for he was not economical. En-
VlOySto VI Tic WnltG IlOuSt Say lLll
Mr.. Lincoln gave away much money
to people whom he believed or knew
to be in distress.
Grover Cleveland was paying taxes
on less than $4,000 when he was elect.
ed President the first time, but to.
day ne is wealthy. Mr. Cleveland was
not lavish spender during his lacuu-
bency of the White House, drew has
salary with regularity and made in
vestments in Washington suburban
real estate
Mr.. Mckinley was poor when lie
entered the White House. Ee was In
debt, but by frugal management and
the assistance of friendH he was ac.
cumulating money when tie assassin .
bullet ended his life.
President Roosevelt was comforte.
bly, fixed when he was called to the
chief executives chair; not wealthy,
but far from poor