“Yes, sir, General President!”—Part 1—and a Giveaway!

By Jennifer Uhlarik

Have you ever thought about the men in American history who distinguished themselves as military generals before they went on to become United States Presidents? I’m sure most of us can name a few, but I was surprised to learn that there were, in fact, ten who served this nation in both capacities. How many can you name? This month, we’ll take a look at the first half of that list, and we’ll finish it during my post in May.

 

George Washington

This one was easy, right? Everyone remembers the United States’ first president. Born in Pope’s Creek, Virginia Colony, on February 22, 1732, Washington first rose to prominence as the surveyor of Culpepper County in 1749. He went on to lead the Virginia Regiment in the French and Indian War in the 1750s, served in the Continental Congress in the 1770s, and from there was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army from 1775-1783. During that time, he fearlessly led the fledgling American army through fierce battles with few supplies. He and his troops faced illness, starvation, and injury, but ultimately came out victorious.

 

Once the fighting was done, Washington returned to civilian life, only to see the need to replace the Articles of Confederation (America’s first Constitution) with a better version of the document. While he wished for this to be done, it wasn’t his desire to be part of the process, though many urged him to. He finally succumbed to the pressure and not only attended, but presided, over the convention in 1787. And once America’s new Constitution was ratified, Washington was elected the country’s first President. He served two terms from 1789 until 1797, then retired from public office. He lived for only a few years more and died on December 14, 1799, at the age of 67.

 

Andrew Jackson

This is a controversial one. Andrew Jackson was America’s seventh president, serving in that office from 1829 to 1837. But before he took the country’s most prestigious office, he made a name for himself as a frontier lawyer, planter, and a military man. He played some roles in the American Revolution as a young teen, but his military service began in earnest in 1801, when he was named a colonel over the Tennessee militia—and within a year, commander of the same force. He later went on to fight in the Creek War, starting in 1813, and he was the commanding general who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans. He continued his military service during the First Seminole Indian War of the 1820s and was eventually elected to the Presidency in 1828. But he is often remembered for his harsh treatment of the Native Americans, both in the Creek and Seminole Wars, and during his presidency when he signed the “Indian Removal Act of 1830.” 

 

                                 William Henry Harrison

From an early age, it seemed William Henry Harrison was on track to enjoy life in the medical field—although both his distaste for that line of study and his father’s death derailed the plan. Instead, he opted for a life in the military, beginning in 1791. Starting out as an ensign in the First American Regiment of the Army, he was promoted to lieutenant within a year, and found himself on the frontier during the Northwest Indian War. He was made aide-de-camp (i.e. a personal assistant) to Major General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, and learned how to lead. After a stint as the territorial governor of Indiana, he returned to military life and was elevated to the rank of General during the War of 1812. He is best known for his victory during the Battle of the Thames in October 1813. He returned to civilian life for a time, but in 1836, ran for President. He lost that year but ran again in 1840 and won. Of all the American presidents, Harrison had the shortest presidency, lasting only thirty-one days. He fell ill after he took a walk to town, in which he got caught in a rainstorm without coat or hat and didn’t change to dry clothing after returning to the White House. He quickly came down with cold-like symptoms which deteriorated to a pneumonia-like illness. He died nine days after he fell ill and exactly one month after assuming the role of President.

 

Zachary Taylor

Another career military man, Zachary Taylor served in multiple wars. He was first commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808 at the rank of First Lieutenant. He served in the War of 1812, receiving the first brevet (temporary) promotion in the American military—to the rank of Major. Later, he served in the Black Hawk War, the Second Seminole Indian War, and the Mexican-American War (where he earned the rank of major general). Because of his humane treatment of Mexican prisoners of war and giving last rights to both the American and Mexican dead, he became quite popular, and his defeat of Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista in July of 1847 cemented that popularity. Returning home to the United States in late 1847, his popularity carried him straight to a presidential victory in the 1848 election. However, his presidency lasted only sixteen months. Only July 4, 1850, he fell ill with stomach issues and died five days later.  

 

Andrew Johnson

Hailing from a poor family, Johnson originally learned the skills of a tailor, but eventually worked his way into politics. He was a town mayor, served brief terms in both sides of the Tennessee State legislature, then moved on to the National House of Representatives where he served ten years (five consecutive terms). He went on to become governor of Tennessee and returned to Congress as a Senator after that. During his time in the Senate, the Southern states began seceding from the Union. Johnson, a man firmly loyal to the Union, was the only Southern Senator who did not resign his position—and Abraham Lincoln rewarded him for his faithfulness. He was appointed by the sitting president as Military Governor of Tennessee—at the rank of General—in 1862. By 1864, Johnson was the natural choice to become Lincoln’s running mate, both for his loyalty and to show national unity during his second term. The pair won the 1864 election, but as we all know, Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865, so Johnson became president in his place. He served until 1869, but his presidency was not without controversy. During all the upheaval after the Civil War, the arguing factions took some of their aggression out on Johnson, and he was impeached by the House of Representatives—though the Senate acquitted him, allowing him to remain in office.

 

It's Your Turn: Were you aware there were ten U.S. Presidents who had risen to the rank of General before attaining the nation’s highest office? Of the five listed above, which do you find most impressive, and why? Leave your response in order to be entered in the drawing for this adorable sign.

 

Award-winning, best-selling novelist Jennifer Uhlarik has loved the western genre since she read her first Louis L’Amour novel. She penned her first western while earning a writing degree from University of Tampa. Jennifer lives near Tampa with her husband, son, and furbabies. www.jenniferuhlarik.com

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW

 

Love’s Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik

 

A Friendship From the Past Brings Closure to Dani’s Fractured Family

 

When Dani Sango’s art forger father passes away, Dani inherits his home. There, she finds a book of Native American drawings, which leads her to seek museum curator Brad Osgood’s help to decipher the ledger art. Why would her father have this book? Is it another forgery?

 

Brad Osgood longs to provide his four-year-old niece, Brynn, the safe home she desperately deserves. The last thing he needs is more drama, especially from a forger’s daughter. But when the two meet “accidentally” at St. Augustine’s 350-year-old Spanish fort, he can’t refuse the intriguing woman.

 

Broken Bow is among seventy-three Plains Indians transported to Florida in 1875 for incarceration at ancient Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris and Luke Worthing dream of serving on a foreign mission field, but when the Indians reach St. Augustine, God changes their plans. However, when Sally Jo’s friendship with Broken Bow leads to false accusations, it could cost them their lives.

 

Can Dani discover how Broken Bow and Sally Jo’s story ends and how it impacted her father’s life?

 

 

William Henry Harrison: Oldest President at the Time

  __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In January, The City That Never Sleeps received the spotlight focus. Today, I thought I'd cover a little known president and why not much is known about him.

THE SHORTEST TIME SERVED

American President William Henry Harrison came into this world on February 9, 1773, in Charles City County, Virginia. Coming from a very prominent and successful Virginia family, he received the best education possible by his parents. Harrison’s father desired that he pursue the medical field, and Harrison proceeded to study at the University of Pennsylvania.

He loathed the medical field, but he still obeyed his father’s wishes. The death of his father in 1791 changed many things. Since his parents financially funded his education, he no longer had the necessary funds to continue his studies and became rather impoverished. 

Harrison searched for a new path in life and found it in the U.S. military. From Virginia governor Henry Lee, Harrison received a commission as an ensign in the Army, and he travelled west with the U.S. 1st Infantry regiment to serve under General Anthony Wayne.

Harrison rose quickly with a natural talent for leading soldiers, and the General appointed Harrison as his aide-de-camp. As Wayne’s personal assistant and secretary, Harrison learned the skills needed to command an army on America’s frontier.

Almost 20 years later, Harrison put these skills to use as a General commanding troops during the War of 1812. Serving in the Northwest Theater of war in and around present-day Ohio and Michigan, Harrison led America’s troops against the British and Indians. He famously forced them back into Canada and won a crushing victory at the Battle of the Thames.

Following the war, Harrison used the fame he had won in battle to catapult himself into service as a politician, serving as a Senator, Governor of Indiana, and Minister to Columbia. His moniker of Tippacanoe during his military service gave him political advantage, and he used the slogan, "Tippacanoe and Tyler too!"

In 1840, Harrison was elected President and became the oldest Commander and Chief until Ronald Reagan.

After his election, Harrison was determined that his inauguration speech would be the best possible. He spoke for one hour and 45 minutes about his agenda in the midst of terrible winter weather. Just one month later, on April 4, 1841, William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia. This unfortunately earned him the distinction of having served the shortest time ever by a U.S. President.

It also created a conundrum, as no other president had died while in office. No one knew what to do. The Vice President, John Tyler, insisted he step into the role, which he did, but the United States didn't solve the issue of succession until the passing of the 25th amendment in 1967.

Quick facts:

• William's grandson, Benjamin, also became president, making them the only grandfather-grandson pair to serve in this role.
• In campaign antics, a group of Whigs pushed a 10-foot ball made of tin and paper slogans of Harrison’s for hundreds of miles (and thus the phrase “get the ball rolling” began).
• Other Whig supporters passed out whiskey in bottles which came from the E.C. Booz distillery, and from this comes the word “booze.”

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* A few notable tidbits about President Harrison. Which one did you find most interesting?

* Share about a time when you thought you traveled a secure path, only to have a sudden course shift that took you somewhere completely unexpected.

* What tidbits do YOU know about any of the U.S. presidents?

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my life as an author and everyday gal, what I'm currently reading, historical tidbits, recommended reads, and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The February edition was just sent out. Receive a FREE e-book of Magic of the Swan just for subscribing.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20 years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

The First U.S. President to Face Impeachment

Blogger: Amber Schamel

President Andrew Johnson

With all of the news talk about the potential impeachment of President Trump, I thought it would be interesting to take a look into impeachments in our history and see what other presidents have faced this same process. 

In the 45 Presidents of the United States of America, Trump is only the 4th that has been threatened with impeachment. Of those, only two were formally impeached. Today we'll be looking at the first, President Andrew Johnson.

President Johnson was in office during a very difficult time in American history. As the president to follow the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and in charge of reconstructing a country that was fractured by the Civil War, he certainly had a tough job on his hands. 

One of the main challenges, was the division in political parties and how they believed the Reconstruction should be done. President Lincoln had begun to form policies that were lenient toward Southerners, hoping that extending a gracious hand would aid reintegration. However, Radical Republicans strongly disagreed with this, and favored harsher policies toward the rebelling states and their citizens. Many of the radicals believed that the new president would lean their way, given his background, however when Johnson took office, he stayed with Lincoln's policies. The second wrench thrown into the mix, was the difference in Civil Rights views. These two issues put Congress and President Johnson at odds. Thus began a war of vetoes and acts of Congress. 

Up until the midterm elections, President Johnson had enough democratic seats in Congress to allow his vetoes to stand. However, after the elections in 1866, Republicans took the majority and were able to override his vetoes. 

Andrew Johnson Impeachment Trial

Not only did Congress override him, they also passed the Tenure of Office Act to limit the president's ability to replace members of his cabinet without congressional consent. This act was specifically designed to protect Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War appointed by Lincoln, but also a Radical Republican. Johnson had tried to get Stanton removed from the office and appointed General Grant in his stead, but Congress reinstated Stanton. Despite the insistence of Congress to keep Stanton, Johnson tried to replace him anyway, claiming he was merely suspending Stanton and appointing others as "substitutes". This action enraged congress, and led to the resolution for impeachment three days later. 

In the end, Johnson was not impeached because, during the trial, the judgement fell one vote short of the 36 votes needed to convict him. In 1887, the Tenure of Office Act was repealed, so it is probably a good thing that President Johnson wasn't impeached for violating it. It seems that the true problem was a standoff between two political parties, which isn't just grounds for impeachment.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  She lives near Denver, Colorado near her favorite stretch of mountain range. Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberSchamel.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Inside the White House: The East Room

The East Room is the largest room in the White House. Over the years it has served as the site of weddings, funerals, social events, the swearing-in of cabinet members and supreme court justices, receptions, press conferences, treaty signings, and even as a roller rink.

The East Room, Clinton Administration. Public Domain.

When John and Abigail Adams, the first inhabitants of the White House, moved into the White House in 1800, the house was unfinished. The only item in the room was a copy of the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1797. Abigail hung wet laundry in the otherwise-vacant room. 

Gilbert Stuart, George Washington (Lansdowne portrait, 1796). Public Domain.

The room was still incomplete when Thomas Jefferson became president. In 1803, architect and commissioner of public buildings Benjamin Henry Latrobe surveyed the White House, and he called the East Room a "public audience chamber" and noted the ceiling had "given way."

There was some concern that this room might look too much like a throne room, so Congress didn't appropriate funds to furnish it, although 38 gold and black chairs were ordered for the room during the Jefferson Administration. 

Jefferson also had the room partitioned using sailcloth, to create a bedroom and office for Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) and Lewis' secretary, Lewis Harvie.

Meriwether Lewis portrait by Charles Willson Peale, circa 1807. Public Domain.

The next inhabitant of the White House, President Madison, held cabinet meetings in one of the partitioned areas. He requested that the barriers be made permanent, but after the White House was burned and gutted in 1814, the East Room was rebuilt as it had been originally conceived.

However, it still wasn't completed. Dances were held there from time to time, but for the most part between 1818 and 1829, it was used to store furniture. President John Quincy Adams was given money to complete the room, but he used it to repair other rooms. 

At last, the East Room was finished during President Jackson's administration. The bare walls were papered in yellow; pale blue drapes were hung; a red-bordered blue and yellow rug was laid; the furniture was upholstered; three cut-glass chandeliers were purchased to light the large room; and plaster cornices were installed over the windows. 

1860 Reception of the Japanese Embassy. Public Domain.

The East Room was redecorated several times, but it may have never needed it as it did during the early days of the Civil War. While awaiting the construction of more barracks to be built, 60 Kansas militiamen stayed in the East Room and did not treat it kindly, shooting bullets into the walls and damaging the carpet. Mary Todd Lincoln refurbished the reception room with velvet cloth wallpaper, lace curtains, damask drapes, and a $2500 carpet that was woven on the largest loom in the world. The refurbishments were not ready in time for the  May, 1861 funeral for Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, the first Union Army soldier to die in the Civil War, which was held in the East Room.

By the time of Lincoln's death in 1865, however, the East Room already required a new refurbishment, as visitors to the White House who waited in the East Room often took souvenirs: they snipped pieces of drapes, took drapery cords or tassels, and ripped off pieces of the velvet wallpaper. It was in such a state when Abraham Lincoln lay in repose on a black catafalque in 1865, his body surrounded by mourners.

Lincoln Funeral in the East Room, 1865. Harper's Weekly. Public Domain

A grand refurbishment was undertaken by the Grant Administration, just in time for daughter Nellie's 1874 wedding in the East Room. She was not the first bride to marry in the East Room, nor the last: seven weddings have been held in the East Room between 1832 - 1967.

The 1967 wedding of Lynda Byrd Johnson and Chuck Robb. Public Domain.

Several funerals have also been held here for presidential family members, including Willie Lincoln, son of Abraham. Eight presidents have died in office, and seven of them either lay in state in the East Room or their funerals were held here, from Harrison (1841) to Kennedy (1963). Only James A. Garfield did not have a service or lie in repose here. 

President Harding's body lying in state in the East Room, 1923. https://goo.gl/images/x67Src

John F. Kennedy's body is placed on a catafalque in the East Room in the early hours of November 23, 1963. Robert Knudsen, photographer. Public Domain.

While it is a room of solemnity, it has also been a room of fun. Theodore Roosevelt's children enjoyed roller skating here. On another occasion, Roosevelt invited over fifty guests here to watch a wrestling match. Potato-sack races have been held here, as well as concerts and parties.

Roosevelt's Administration also oversaw the East Room's return to its earliest style: that of late 18th Century simplicity. The furnishings may have changed several times through the years, but it still retains this classical appearance. 

President George W. Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, 
press conference in the East Room, 2004. Public Domain.

One other thing remains the same: the East Room of the White House has been the scene of dozens of major events that have shaped America.

***

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she's the award-winning author of over a dozen historical romances who's seen her work on the ECPA, Amazon, and Publisher's Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and enjoys fancy-schmancy tea parties, genealogy, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can learn more about her at www.susannedietze.com.

Love Letters Sustained Abigail and John Adams

An original letter from John Adams to his future wife Abigail
Elise Amendola/AP

“Dear Miss Adorable,” John Adams wrote in one of his first letters to Abigail, and so began one of the great romances of our American history. John Adams was twenty-four years old when he met the oh-so-young Abigail Smith. She was just fifteen and he was not particularly impressed with her in the beginning. “Not fond, not frank, not candid,” was his assessment of the young girl.

But over the next three years she matured, and he began to view her in a different light. And when love finally bloomed, it burst into full blush. “I hereby order you to give him, as many Kisses, and as many Hours of your Company after 9 O Clock as he shall please to Demand ...”

Portrait of John Adams - 1766

Portrait of Abigail Adams - 1766

This was a love that could stand the test of time and distance. John served in Europe in the Netherlands, France, and Britain from 1774 to 1784 as an envoy for the fledgling United States. Kindred spirits, the Adams love was sustained by their affection and intimacy.

Even though Abigail’s formal education was sadly lacking, she was a voracious reader and thus understood John’s important work representing the young government. While John roamed the world for a great cause, Abigail astutely ran their household and raised their five children, one of whom would later become president following in the footsteps of his father.

In a time when we can communicate with almost anyone on the planet instantly, it is almost impossible to understand how two people could write 1,160 letters when each took about six weeks to cross the ocean. Sometimes those letters were lost and never delivered at all. When decisions had to be made regarding the children, or when something written in a letter caused consternation, it was a slow response indeed. Abigail was John’s confidante, supporter, best friend, and most loyal critic.

John Adams Jr., American statesman and Founding Father, served
 as the first Vice President and second President of the United States.

Later, when he returned home and they could have taken up life on their Massachusetts farm, John accepted the presidency and became America’s second president. Abigail then stepped into her role as first lady—even before the term “first lady” was used—and began to define the job. It was she who set up much of the protocol still observed today. She entertained dignitaries at dinner. She conducted a great Fourth of July party to which everyone in the area was invited. But most importantly, she was a listening ear to her husband, offering wise advice and counsel.

Why did this love relationship work so well? Probably most of all because of the respect each had for the other. John realized that what they had written to each other over many years could stand as a primer on successful marriage. He had all the letters in his possession bound in a leather binder, and he advised Abigail to do the same. The marriage also survived because it was without an exit clause. They were in it together for the duration.

Those letters and the information and strength of character they portray are the fruit of many lonely years spent away from each other. It was not fun, and it was not easy, but both buckled down to whatever task presented itself and endured. Was there never a blip in their relationship? Oh, yes. John wrote to Abigail and extolled the French ladies. He said they were “handsome, and … exceedingly brilliant.”

That didn’t fly well with Abigail. In a slow-motion quarrel, she fired back at him. “How much female Education is neglected … tho I acknowled it my happiness to be connected with a person of a more generous mind and liberal sentiments.” Ouch! But quarrels and disputes didn’t last long, and they were soon back addressing each other as “My Dearest Friend.”

Equal Franchise Society reproduces extract from famous Abigail Adams
 letter of March 31, 1776, in which she warns John to “Remember the Ladies.”
Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress

Abigail was a very forward-thinking woman, and 150 years before the House of Representatives voted to pass the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, she wrote, “I long to hear that you have declared on independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” We can only imagine what John must have thought when that letter arrived.

After one term in office, John was defeated in his second run for the presidency in 1800. He decided the time had come to retire. In one of his last letters, he wrote to Abigail that “It is fit and proper that you and I should retire together and not one before the other.” The letters ceased soon afterward because these two devoted and loving people were at last together and there was no longer a need for written communication.

Abigail summed up the marriage relationship well: “And there is a tye more binding than Humanity, and stronger than Friendship.” True, Abigail. True indeed.