USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 3
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
garding the issues in France. General Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, was the leader of the so-called Federal party, while Mr. Jefferson was the leader of the Republican party. At the same time there was a strong monarchical party in this country, with which Mr. Adams sympa- thized. Some important financial measures, which were proposed by Hamilton and finally adopted by the cabinet and approved by Washington, were opposed by Mr. Jefferson ; and his enemies then began to reproach him with holding office under an administration whose views he opposed. The President poured oil on the troubled waters. On his re-election to the Presi- dency he desired Mr. Jefferson to remain in the cabinet, but the latter sent in his resignation at two different times, probably because he was dissatisfied with some of the measures of the Government. His final one was not received until January 1, 1794, when General Washington parted from him with great regret.
Jefferson then retired to his quiet home at Monticello, to enjoy a good rest, not even reading the newspapers lesi the political gossip should disquiet him. On the Presi- dent's again calling him back to the office of Secretary of State, he replied that no circumstances would ever again tempt him to engage in anything public! But, while all Europe was ablaze with war, and France in the throes of a bloody revolution and the principal theater of the conflict, a new Presidential election in this country cane on. John Adams was the Fed al cau li- date and Mr. Jefferson became the Republi- On the inauguration of G und Washe can candidate. The result of the election ington as President, Mr. Jetos was chocon by him for the opodat Secretary of State. Artistica HA ENGE Trench Revolution become ville, and I was the promotion of the latter to the Vice- Presidency, while the former was cinci President. In this contest Mr. Jeferson really did not desire to have either office, Washington watch Hat eller great variety. the was egy weary " of party strip. He
constitution f pachate as well as re- y any other place on the earth.
25
But for four long years his Vice Presi
stricken parent as it was possible for him to dency passed joylessly away. while the caryiv. With any degree of sanity. partisan strife between Federalist an 1 R. publican was ever growing hoder. The former party split and the result of the fourth general election was the elevation of Mr. Jefferson to the Presidency! with Aaron Burr as Vice-President. These lien being at the head of a growing party, their election was hailed everywhere with joy. On the other hand, many of the Federalists turned pale, as they believed what a portion of the pulpit and the press had been preach- ing-that Jefferson was a " scoffing atheist." a "Jacobin," the " incarnation of all evil." " breathing threatening and slaughter!"
Mr. Jefferson's inaugural address con- tained nothing but the noblest sentiments, expressed in fine language, and his personal behavior afterward exhibited the extreme of American, democratic simplicity. His disgust of European court etiquette grew upon him with age. He believed that General Washington was somewhat dis- trustful of the ultimate success of a popular Government, and that. imbued with a little admiration of the forms of a monarchical Government, he had instituted levees, birth- days, pompous meetings with Congress, ctc. Jefferson was always polite, even to slaves everywhere he met them, and carried in his countenance the indications of an ac- commodating disposition.
The political principles of the Jeffersoni- an party pow swept the country, anl MM. Jefferson himself swayed an influence which was never exceeded even by Washington. Under his administration, in 1893, the Loout- isiana purchase was made for Sig.0 1ano. the " Louisiana Territory " purchase. com prising all the land west of the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean.
:
The year 1804 witnessed another severe loss in his family. His highly a copy Baked and most beloved daughter Mariaest and died, causing as great gert in the way
The same year he was re-elected to the Presidkury, with Georg Clinton as Vice- President. During his second fort, our relations with England became more com- plicated. and on June 22. 180 ;. near Hamp- ton Roads. the United States frigate Chesapeake was fired upon by the Brit- ish man-of-war Leopard, and was made to surrender. Three men were killed and ten wounded. Jefferson demanded repara- tion. England grew insolent. It became evident that war was determined upon by the latter power. More than 1.20 Ameri- cans were forced into the British service upon the high seas. B. fore any satisfactory solution was reached, Mr. Jederson's Presi lendial term closed. Amid !!!! these public excitements he thought constantly of the welfare of his family. and longed for the time when he could return home to remain. There, at Monticello. his sub- sequent life was very similar to that of Washington at Mt. Vernon. His hospi- tality toward his numerous friends, indnl- gence of his slaves, and misfortunes to his property, etc., finally involved hita in debi. For years his home resembled a fashion- able watering-place. During the summer. thirty-seven house servants were required' It was presided over by his daughter, Mes. Randolph.
Mr. Jefferson did much for the establish- ment of the University at Charlottesville making it misecation in keeping with the spirit of Am. siete in Situations, but poverty and the id leness of old aud prevented him from doing what he would. He ever want to for as to petition Ne L. sishure for permission to dispose of state of his possessions by lottery, in order to l'se the
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
JAMES
AMES MADISON. the fourth President of the United States, 18og-'17. was born at Port Con- way, Prince George County, Virginia, March 16, 1751. His father, Colonel James Madison, was a wealthy planter, residing upon a very fine estate called " Montpelier," only twenty-five miles from the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political at- tachment existed between these illustrious men from their carly youth until death.
James was the oldest of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom attained maturity. His ouly eu- cation was conducted mostly a hoax, under a private tator. Being anomaly by- to lectual in his taste .. I . companies. .. ? ! in .- sell with unusual vigor to study. und anche made om italia
m de Gret, Latin, French at 1 5
Trish
languages, In rey he er red Pellecon College, New Jersey, of which :' e Wn
dont. He graduate in 1774, With
acter of the utmost purity, and a mind highly disciplined and stored with all the learning which. embellished and gave effi- ciency to his subsequent career. After graduating he pursued a course of reading for several months, under the guidance of President Weatherspoon, and in 1772 re- turned to Virginia, where he continued in incessant study for two years, nominally directed to the law, but really including extended researches in theology. philoso- phy and general literature.
The Church of England was the estab- lished church in Virginia, invested with all the prerogatives and immunities which it enjoyed in the fatherland, and other de- nominations labored unfler serious disabili. ties, the enforcement of which was rightly of wrongly ch ract :il by them as per- section. Madison the provenant stan l in behalf of the removal of ab dis. bilities.
entity to defend the Bestis n conform -- :
mouring ane p
WIT
29
In 1776 he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention to frame the Coachu- tion of the State. Like Jefferson, h. took but little part in the public debates. His main strength lay in his conversational in. fluence and in his pen. In November, 1777, he was chosen a member of the Council of State, and in March, 1780. took his seat in the Continental Congress, where he first gained prominence through his energetic opposition to the issue of paper money by the States. He continued in Congress three years, one of its most active and influential members.
In 1784 Mr. Madison was elected a mem- ber of the Virginia Legislature. He ren- dered important service by promoting and participating in that revision of the statutes which effectually abolished the remnants of the feudal system subsistent up to that time in the form of entails, primogeniture, and State support given the Anglican Church ; and his " Memorial and Remon- strance" against a general assessment. for the support of religion is one of the ablest papers which emanated from his pen. It settled the question of the entire separation of church and State in Virginia.
Mr. Jefferson says of him, in allusion to the study and experience through which he had already passed :
" Trained in these successive schools, l.c acquired a habit of self-possession which placed at ready command the rich resources of his luminous and discriminating min land of his exten 've information, and read.rol him the first of every assembly in whichhe afterward . came & thember. Never was dering from. Lis subject ido vain de bu .... tion. but pursuing it de ely in Unasme. pure, classical and copias, scaling :). ways the falings of Meat reis bed tiesan Is a Mess of us pro . 18 por Lathe eminent tion which he bell in the great National Conventionof app : and is that o. Virginia, which followed, he sust hed ?'
new Constitution in all its parts, bearing off the palm against the logic of George Mason and the forvid dechumation of Patrick Henry. With these consummate powers were united a pure and spotless virtue which no calumny has ever attempted to sully. Of the power and polish of his pen, and of the wisdom of his administration in the highest office of the nation, I need say nothing. They have spoken, and will for- ever speak, for themselves."
In January, 1786, Mr. Madison took the initiative in proposing a meeting of State Commissioners to devise measures for more satisfactory commercial relations between the States. A meeting was held at An- napolis to discuss this subject, and but five States were represented. The convention issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madi- son, urging all the States to send their dele- gates to Philadelphia, in May, 17S7, to draught a Constitution for the United States. The delegates met at the time ap- pointed, every State except Rhode Island being represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention, and the present Constitution of the United States was then and there formed. There was no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind and pen of James Madison. He was, perhaps, its able st advocate in the pages of the Floralist.
Mr. Madison was a member of the first four Congresses, 178 y of fearleth prin- mine laumoderate opp allt on to Hadron's
to Prance anl de Som St. 4,
Podle identitet Mims'y with the fr : 17 . is
: r the P. 10.
" Ilove is
in the United State
30
.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
rest for the fortune of our political bark." But Mr: Madison declined to be a candi- date. His term in Congress had expired, and he returned from New York to his beautiful retreat at Montpelier.
In 1794 Mr. Madison married a young widow of remarkable powers of fascination -Mrs. Todd. Her maiden name was Doro- thy Painc. She was born in 1767, in Vir- ginia, of Quaker parents, and had been educated in the strictest rules of that sect. When but eighteen years of age she married a young lawyer and moved to Philadelphia, where she was introduced to brilliant scenes of fashionable life. She speedily laid aside the dress and address of the Quakeress, and became one of the most fascinating ladies of the republican court. In New York, after the death of her husband, she was the belle of the season and was surrounded with admirers. Mr. Madison won the prize. She proved an invaluable helpmate. In Washington she was the life of society. If there was any diffident, timid young girl just making her appearance, she found in Mrs. Madison an encouraging . friend.
During the stormy administration of John Adams Madison remained in private life, but was the author of the celebrated " Reso- lutions of 1798," adopted by the Virginia Legislature, in condemnation of the Alien and Sedition laws, as well as of the " report" in which he defended those resolutions, which is, by many, considered his ablest State paper.
The storm passed away ; the Alien and Sedition laws were repealed, John Adams lost his re-election, and in ISor Thomas Jef- ferson was chosen President. The great re- action in public sentiment which seated Jefferson in the presidential chair was large- ly owing to the writings of Malison, who was consequently well entitled to the post of Secretary of State. With great ability he discharged the duties of this responsible
office during the eight years of Mr. Jeffer- son's administration.
As Mr. Jefferson was a widower, and neither of his daughters could be often with him, Mrs. Madison usually presided over the festivities of the White House; and as her husband succeeded Mr. Jefferson, hold- ing his office for two terms, this remarkable woman was the mistress of the presidential mansion for sixteen years.
Mr. Madison being entirely engrossed by the cares of his office, all the duties of so- cial life devolved upon his accomplished wife. Never were such responsibilities more ably discharged. The most bitter focs of her husband and of the administra- tion were received with the frankly prof- fered hand and the cordial smile of wel- come; and the influence of this gentle woman in allaying the bitterness of party rancor became a great and salutary power in the nation.
As the term of Mr. Jefferson's Presidency drew near its close, party strife was roused to the utmost to elect his successor. It was a death-grapple between the two great parties, the Federal and Republican. Mr. Madison was chosen President by an clec- toral vote of 122 to 53, and was inaugurated March 4, ISog, at a critical period, when the relations of the United States with Great Britain were becoming embittered, and his first term was passed in diplomatic quarrels, aggravated by the act of non-intercourse of May, 1810, and finally resulting in a decla- ration of war.
On the 18th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Brit- ain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and in the autumn Madison was re-elected to the Presidency by 128 electoral votes to 89 in favor of George Clinton.
March 4, 1817, Madison yielded the Presi-
30
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
rest for the fortune of our political bark." But Mr. Madison declined to be a candi- date. His term in Congress had expired, and he returned from New York to his beautiful retreat at Montpelier.
In 1794 Mr. Madison married a young widow of remarkable powers of fascination -Mrs. Todd. Her maiden name was Doro- thy Painc. She was born in 1767, in Vir- ginia, of Quaker parents, and had been educated in the strictest rules of that sect. When but eighteen years of age she married a young lawyer and moved to Philadelphia, where she was introduced to brilliant scenes of fashionable life. She speedily laid aside the dress and address of the Quakeress, and becaine one of the most fascinating ladies of the republican court. In New York, after the death of her husband, she was the belle of the season and was surrounded with admirers. Mr. Madison won the prize. She proved an invaluable helpmate. In Washington she was the life of society. If there was any diffident, timid young girl just making her appearance, she found in Mrs. Madison an encouraging . friend.
During the stormy administration of John Adams Madison remained in private life, but was the author of the celebrated " Reso- lutions of 1798," adopted by the Virginia Legislature, in condemnation of the Alien and Sedition laws, as well as of the " report" in which he defended those resolutions, which is, by many, considered his ablest State paper.
The storm passed away ; the Alien and Sedition laws were repealed, John A lams lost his re-election, and in ISor Thomas Jef. ferson was chosen President. The great re- action in public sentiment which seatt 1 Jeferson in the presidential chair was lange- ly owing to the writings of Ma lison, who i was consequently well entitled to the p> t of Secretary of State. With great ability he discharged the duties of this responsib!
office during the eight years of Mr. Jeffer- son's administration.
As Mr. Jefferson was a widower, and neither of his daughters could be often with him, Mrs. Madison usually presided over the festivities of the White House; and as her husband succeeded Mr. Jefferson, hold- ing his office for two terms, this remarkable woman was the mistress of the presidential mansion for sixteen years.
Mr. Madison being entirely engrossed by the cares of his office, all the duties of so- cial life devolved upon his accomplished wife. Never were such responsibilities more ably discharged. The most bitter focs of her husband and of the administra- tion were received with the frankly prof- fered hand and the cordial smile of wel- come; and the influence of this gentle woman in allaying the bitterness of party rancor became a great and salutary power in the nation.
As the term of Mr. Jefferson's Presidency drew near its close, party strife was roused to the utmost to elect his successor. It was a death-grapple between the two great parties, the Federal and Republican. Mr. Madison was chosen President by an clec- toral vote of 122 to 53, and was inaugurated March 4, 18og, at a critical period, when the relations of the United States with Great Britain were becoming embittered, and his first term was passed in diplomatic quarrels, aggravated by the act of non-intercourse of May, 1810, and finally resulting in a decla- ration of war.
On the 18th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress deck.ring war against Great B.it- ain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved; and in the autumn Madison was re-elected to the Presidency by 123 electoral votes to 8, in favor of Guage Craton.
March 4, 17. Madison yielded the Press.
31
dency to his Secretary of State and iati- his eye fell on the paper. Coming to a mate friend, James Monroe, and paired to certain sentence in the speech, Mr. Madison his ancestral estate at Montpelier, where he ; erased a word and substituted another ; but hesitated, and not feeling satisfied with the second word, drew his pen through it also. My son was young, ignorant of the world. and unconscious of the solecism of which he was about to be guilty, when, in all simplic- ity, he suggested a word. Probably no other person then living would have taken such a liberty. But the sage, instead of regarding such an intrusion with a frown, raised his eyes to the boy's face with a pleased surprise, and said, 'Thank you, sir ; it is the very word,' and immediately in- serted it. I saw him the next day, and he mentioned the circumstance, with a compli- ment on the young critic."
passed the evening of his days surrounded by attached friends and enjoying the merited respect of the whole nation. He took pleasure in promoting agriculture, as president of the county society, and in watching the development of the University of Virginia, of which he was long rector and visitor. In extreme old age he sat in 1829 as a member of the convention called to re- form the Virginia Constitution, where his appearance was hailed with the most gen- uine interest and satisfaction, though he was too infirm to participate in the active work of revision. Small in stature, slender and delicate in form, with a countenance full of intelligence, and expressive alike of mildness and dignity, he attracted the atten- tion of all who attended the convention, and was treated with the utmost deference. He seldom addressed the assembly, though he always appeared self-possessed, and watched with unflagging interest the prog- ress of every measure. Though the con- vention sat sixteen weeks, he spoke only twice; but when he did speak, the whole house paused to listen. His voice was feeble though his enunciation was very dis- tinct. One of the reporters, Mr. Stansbury. relates the following anecdote of Mr. Madi- son's last speech:
" The next day, as there was a great call for it. and the report had not been returned for publication, I sent my son with a re- spectful no : requesting the mansscript. My son was a laled sixteen, vagy 1 h !! taken with me to det as ammunis. On delivering ty not., he was recoj I with code ap into Mr. M lion's ro wo antw: h while his eye ran over the past ora- did s . and Mr. Mal medal. pachet
Mir. Madison died at Montpelier, June 28, 1836, at the advanced age of eighty-five. While not possessing the highest order of talent, and deficient in oratorical powers, he was pre-eminently a statesman, of a well- balanced mind. His attainments were solid, his knowledge copious, his judgment gener- ally sound, his powers of analysis and logi- cal statement rarely surpassed, his language and literary style correct and polished, his conversation witty, his temperament sail- guine and trustful, his integrity unques. tioned, his manners simple, courteous and winning. By these rare qualities he con- ciliated the este im not only of friends, but of political opponents, in a greater legree than any American statesman in the present century.
Mr . Marlivon curyivel her husband thir-
eighty-sec rel yendi à. She wasthe
the utmost politeness, and reported is try his palis. It's not the is al.
che ! magneal to posterity in
: :
:
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
1
AMES MONROE, the fifth President of the United States, 1817- 25, was born in Westmoreland County Virginia, April 28, 1758. He was a son of Spence Monroe, ard a descendant of a Scottish cavalier fam- ily. Like all his predeces- sors thus far in the Presi- dential chair, he enjoyed all the advantages of educa- tion which the country could then afford. He was carly sent to a fine classical school, and at the age of six- teen entered William and Mary College .. In 1776, when he had been in college but two years, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and our feeble militia, with- out arms, amunition or clothing. werestrug- gling against the trainel armies of England. James Monroe left college, hastenel to General Washig ton's hea le mursat New York and enroute ] himsch and codet in the army.
At Trenton Hat wat Moore de dis. tinguishe & himsent, receiving . what! me hi- shoulder, that he was proceed bra Cip. fines. Uponidea what the wound,
ling, and in the opacity hotel an give part in the body of Bral
he stood ly the side of Lafayette when the French Marquis received his wound. Gen- eral Washington, who had formed a high idea of young Monroe's ability, sent him to Virginia to raise a new regiment, of which he was to be Colonel; but so exhausted was Virginia at that time that the effort proved unsuccessful. He, however, received his commission.
Finding no opportunity to enter the army as a commissioned officer, he returned to his original plan of studying law, and entered the office of Thomas Jefferson, who was then Governor of Virginia. He developed a very noble character, frank, manly and sincere. Mr. Jefferson said of him:
"James Monroe is so perfectly how t that if his soul were turned inside out there would not be found a spot on it."
In 1782 he was elected to the Asseribly of Virginia, and was also appoint dam all- ber of the La cutive Commeil. The next year he was chosen dele cate to th . Comti- nemal Congress for a torta of three years. He was pamat Andonos where Wash. ington surron trellis . m. issime of ( ...
| he felt despi the inedici nos of Brnopr Anh of (auf derating, and 11; T
C bration, shin
.
0
75
1613358
that Congress should be emporter 1 1; regulate trade, and to lay an ip si daty of five per cent. The resolution werefor- red to a committee of which he was chair. man. The report and the discussion which rose upon it led to the convention of fire States at Annapolis, and the consequent general convention at Philadelphia, which, in 178 ;. drafted the Constitution of the United States.
At this time there was a controversy be- tween New York and Massachusetts in reference to their boundaries. The high esteem in which Colonel Monroe was held is indicated by the fact that he was ap- pointed one of the judges to decide the controversy. While in New York attend- ing Congress, he married Miss Kortright, a young lady distinguished alike for her beauty and accomplishments. For nearly fifty years this happy union remained un- broken. In London and in Paris, as in her own country, Mrs. Monroe won admiration and affection by the loveliness of her per- son. the brilliancy of her intellect, and the amiability of her character.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.