Casey Jones
Who is Casey Jones? A 1900 train wreck that was immortalized by The Ballad of Casey Jones is a fascinating chapter in railroad history. Jackson, Tennessee, home of the real Casey Jones, offers tours of his home and railroad memorabilia, plus unique shopping and dining experiences. Jackson, Tennessee is best known as the home of railroad legend Casey Jones. Jonathan Luther Jones was born on March 14, 1863, and his family moved to Cayce, (pronounced Casey) Kentucky when he was 13 years old. He was instantly attracted to the trains passing through his new hometown. Two years later, when he was 15, he became a telegrapher for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. He acquired his famous nickname, Casey, when other railroaders inquired about where he lived. This shy young man set about to learn as much about trains and railroads as possible. He became a brakeman on the train runs from Columbus to Jackson, Tennessee. It was in this west Tennessee hub that he met his bride, Janie Brady. They married and raised their three children, Charles, Helen, and John Lloyd, in Jackson.
In 1888, Jones became a fireman for the Illinois Central Railroad (ICRR). Jones was promoted to position of engineer in February, l900, and had a reasonably good record, not having been disciplined for the past three years. He had been assigned to passenger service between Memphis and Canton and instructed about the importance of the trains to which he had been assigned. His supervisor told him to use good judgement, especially in stormy weather, and to keep close lookout for signals at all times, particularly in approaching and passing through stations and yards. He particularly instructed Jones not to attempt to do any reckless running with the view of establishing a record of making fast time, or better time than the other men on the runs. From February until April, 1900, Jones ran the Cannonball Express, which consisted of two fast passenger trains that traveled the dangerous 188 mile route between Chicago and New Orleans everyday. He greatly enjoyed the thrill manuevering this curving route at high speeds, but he hated being stationed in Memphis while his family was still in Jackson. He hoped to soon have enough money to move them to join him. With this thought in mind, Jones agreed to a double shift on the night of April 29, 1900.
Casey Jones and his fireman, Sim Webb, had just reached Memphis after completing a northbound run of the Cannonball. The engineer scheduled to take this train southbound was ill, and Jones agreed to take the run with his engine #382. The southbound train from Chicago was 90 minutes late, placing Jones behind schedule. Convinced he could make up the lost time, Jones maneuvered the rushing passenger train through the dark and foggy night. The engine reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. He took the siding at Goodman, Mississippi, in order for the northbound train to pass on the single track. With a supposedly clear track ahead, Jones was only 2 minutes behind schedule when he approached Vaughan, Mississippi. Trains here were supposed to have been sidelined to allow him to pass, but one train had a broken airhose and 4 cars remained on the track as #382 rapidly approached. As the engine rounded the curve at Vaughan, Sim spotted the red lights of the stranded train's caboose. When Sim yelled to warn Jones, Casey through on the brakeline and yelled "Jump, Sim, jump," as he took a final look at his friend. With a certain death ahead, Jones did not abandon his engine. At 3:52 am on April 30, 1900, Engine 382 exploded into the stranded cars and left the track. Jones was the only fatality. Official accident reports state that the actual damage of this collision amounted to $3,323.75. Total blame was placed on Engineer Casey Jones.
Sim, who often made up tunes to sing while he worked, was deeply touched by the death of his friend. He created a song about Casey Jones. The railroaders who worked with Sim began to sing the tune up and down the rails Jones had ridden. After Engineer William Leighton sang the ballad for his brothers, vaudeville performers Bert and Frank Leighton, they began including this song in their routines. The ballad caught the attention of songwriters T. Lawrence Siebert and Edward Newton who copyrighted a version of this song in 1909. Even though the copyrighted version differed noticeably from Sim's original ballad and wasn't entirely factual, it became a best seller within a few years. In the words of a simple song, the story of Casey Jones was shared with the world, creating a place in history for a man who loved railroading.
Jackson, Tennessee is home to Casey Jones Village. At the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum visitors can see exhibits of personal items from the Jones family and railroad memorabilia, including a scale model depicting the famous accident at Vaughan, Mississippi. Tourists can also climb aboard historic Engine 382 and ring the bell. The Village also includes The Old Country Store which has thousands of unique gifts items, an old fashioned soda parlor, and a bountiful buffet specializing in southern country cooking. Several other shops specialize in Christmas collectibles, swords and knives, and railroad memorabilia. Guests can spend the night in a real red caboose or an 1890s railroad car at the Casey Jones Station Inn.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Tennessee Ernie Ford was born Ernest Jennings Ford in Fordtown, Tennessee, on February 13, 1919. He was raised in a musical and religious family in Bristol, Tennessee, and began a radio career at WOPI following his high school graduation. In 1939, he enrolled at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and then joined the Army Air Corps during World War II.
After his discharge, he and his first wife, Betty, went to California. He worked at KFXM in San Bernardino and later KXLA in Pasadena as both a serious announcer named Ernest Ford and a drawling hillbilly disc jockey named Tennessee Ernie. His singing, along with the records when he portrayed Tennessee Ernie, prompted entrepreneur Cliffie Stone to recognize his talent and become his manager. Ford became a regular vocalist on Stone's radio shows in the Los Angeles area. Capitol Records signed Ford in 1949 and on the first day of his contract he recorded his first top 10 hit, "Tennessee Border." "Mule Train" spent a month atop the charts at the end of 1950 and by early 1951 Ford's long string of hits included "The Shot Gun Boogie" at #1 for fourteen weeks.
In 1954, Ford hosted NBC's College of Musical Knowledge game show. In 1955, Ford also began hosting a thirty-minute daytime variety television show on ABC. On his shows, he exposed the public to songs he had not yet recorded, such as an upbeat version of a coal-mining ballad that had been recorded in 1946 by Merle Travis. Viewer response to this song was so positive that on September 20, 1955, Ford took time from his hectic schedule to record "Sixteen Tons." It sold 400,000 copies in just 11 days after its release. Ironically, "Sixteen Tons" was the B-side of "You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry," but it was the definite favorite. It was #1 on the country music charts for ten weeks and the pop music charts for eight weeks.
The Ford Show, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, was on NBC from 1956-1961. Ford's homespun humor and phrases such as "Bless your peapickin' heart" became catch phrases throughout America. His tradition of closing each show with a hymn led to the release of "Hymns," his first sacred album. It remained on the charts for 277 weeks, over five years.
Ford continued hosting regular TV shows until 1965. In 1974, he toured Russia with a cast from Opryland U.S.A. at the request of the State Department. Ford frequently appeared on TV, particularly on "Hee Haw" after its 1983 debut and on the Nashville Network.
Betty died shortly after Ford's 70th birthday in 1989. Soon after, he married Beverly Wood-Smith. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990. Following a state dinner at the White House, Ford fell ill and died of liver disease at a Virginia hospital on October 17, 1991.
Tennessee Ernie Ford was born Ernest Jennings Ford in Fordtown, Tennessee, on February 13, 1919. He was raised in a musical and religious family in Bristol, Tennessee, and began a radio career at WOPI following his high school graduation. In 1939, he enrolled at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and then joined the Army Air Corps during World War II.
After his discharge, he and his first wife, Betty, went to California. He worked at KFXM in San Bernardino and later KXLA in Pasadena as both a serious announcer named Ernest Ford and a drawling hillbilly disc jockey named Tennessee Ernie. His singing, along with the records when he portrayed Tennessee Ernie, prompted entrepreneur Cliffie Stone to recognize his talent and become his manager. Ford became a regular vocalist on Stone's radio shows in the Los Angeles area. Capitol Records signed Ford in 1949 and on the first day of his contract he recorded his first top 10 hit, "Tennessee Border." "Mule Train" spent a month atop the charts at the end of 1950 and by early 1951 Ford's long string of hits included "The Shot Gun Boogie" at #1 for fourteen weeks.
In 1954, Ford hosted NBC's College of Musical Knowledge game show. In 1955, Ford also began hosting a thirty-minute daytime variety television show on ABC. On his shows, he exposed the public to songs he had not yet recorded, such as an upbeat version of a coal-mining ballad that had been recorded in 1946 by Merle Travis. Viewer response to this song was so positive that on September 20, 1955, Ford took time from his hectic schedule to record "Sixteen Tons." It sold 400,000 copies in just 11 days after its release. Ironically, "Sixteen Tons" was the B-side of "You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry," but it was the definite favorite. It was #1 on the country music charts for ten weeks and the pop music charts for eight weeks.
The Ford Show, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, was on NBC from 1956-1961. Ford's homespun humor and phrases such as "Bless your peapickin' heart" became catch phrases throughout America. His tradition of closing each show with a hymn led to the release of "Hymns," his first sacred album. It remained on the charts for 277 weeks, over five years.
Ford continued hosting regular TV shows until 1965. In 1974, he toured Russia with a cast from Opryland U.S.A. at the request of the State Department. Ford frequently appeared on TV, particularly on "Hee Haw" after its 1983 debut and on the Nashville Network.
Betty died shortly after Ford's 70th birthday in 1989. Soon after, he married Beverly Wood-Smith. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1990. Following a state dinner at the White House, Ford fell ill and died of liver disease at a Virginia hospital on October 17, 1991.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. He served two terms, from 1817 to 1825. He was the last president to have served as an officer in the Revolutionary War.
James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on April 28, 1758. He became the fifth president of the United States in 1817. His Vice-President was Daniel D. Tompkins.
When James Monroe had became president the White House was still under construction from the burning in the War of 1812. Monroe had decided to take a tour of the country, to get to know more about the country he would govern. While on tour, the White house could be properly repaired.
The trip took fifteen weeks, and it gave Monroe the knowledge of the country to better help him serve well. He had more knowledge of the country than any other president that served before him, with the possible exception of George Washington.
Everywhere the president went he was greeted with cheers. Even in Federalist New England, who had detested James Madison, was quicker to accept Monroe because the region's economy had changed in the years during and after the War of 1812.
Congressman Henry Clay and John Calhoun championed a series of projects designed to improve and update the country's infrastructure, that is, its roads bridges an canals. The bills they introducted were part of a larger plan devised by Clay called the American System. Monroe agreed that Calhoun's public works project would benefit the Nation. But like Madison before him, he worried that these internal improvements, were not constitutional. A jeffersonian at heart, Monroe feared that construction of roads and canals went well beyond the powers granted to the government by the constitution.
The era of good feelings mades James Monroe one of the most popular presidents in the history of the United States. When the electoral college met in 1820, Monroe won all electoral votes but one. The single contrary vote was cast by New Hampshire's governor William Plumer. According to Plumer's son, the New Hampshire governor simply hated Monroe.
Between 1816 and 1821, six new states joined the union, making a total of twenty-four. Although they were generally welcomed, the admission of these new Western and southern states was also unsettling for many Americans. Because new regions of the country would of course have their own concerns, those of the original states would necessarily matter less.
Northern factory owners wanted increased tariff protection for their manufactured goods. They also wanted raw materials at a cheap price. Western farmers wanted exactly the opposite, they liked to see high prices for the raw materials they grew and low prices for the manufactured goods they bought. In the south, plantation owners were concerned about a reduction in slave labor, which they thought would hurt their ability to produce cotton at a competive price.
Now that the United States controlled so much of North America, John Quincy Adams suggested to President Monroe that he use this power to warn European nations against further colonization in the America's. On December 2, 1823, the president delivered a speech to congress outlining what soon became known as the Monroe Doctrine.
Neither an executive order nor a law, the Monroe Doctrine was a statement of policy that has guided U.S. actions ever since. For the first time, the United States recognized that it had important national interests outside its geographic borders.
James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. He served two terms, from 1817 to 1825. He was the last president to have served as an officer in the Revolutionary War.
James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on April 28, 1758. He became the fifth president of the United States in 1817. His Vice-President was Daniel D. Tompkins.
When James Monroe had became president the White House was still under construction from the burning in the War of 1812. Monroe had decided to take a tour of the country, to get to know more about the country he would govern. While on tour, the White house could be properly repaired.
The trip took fifteen weeks, and it gave Monroe the knowledge of the country to better help him serve well. He had more knowledge of the country than any other president that served before him, with the possible exception of George Washington.
Everywhere the president went he was greeted with cheers. Even in Federalist New England, who had detested James Madison, was quicker to accept Monroe because the region's economy had changed in the years during and after the War of 1812.
Congressman Henry Clay and John Calhoun championed a series of projects designed to improve and update the country's infrastructure, that is, its roads bridges an canals. The bills they introducted were part of a larger plan devised by Clay called the American System. Monroe agreed that Calhoun's public works project would benefit the Nation. But like Madison before him, he worried that these internal improvements, were not constitutional. A jeffersonian at heart, Monroe feared that construction of roads and canals went well beyond the powers granted to the government by the constitution.
The era of good feelings mades James Monroe one of the most popular presidents in the history of the United States. When the electoral college met in 1820, Monroe won all electoral votes but one. The single contrary vote was cast by New Hampshire's governor William Plumer. According to Plumer's son, the New Hampshire governor simply hated Monroe.
Between 1816 and 1821, six new states joined the union, making a total of twenty-four. Although they were generally welcomed, the admission of these new Western and southern states was also unsettling for many Americans. Because new regions of the country would of course have their own concerns, those of the original states would necessarily matter less.
Northern factory owners wanted increased tariff protection for their manufactured goods. They also wanted raw materials at a cheap price. Western farmers wanted exactly the opposite, they liked to see high prices for the raw materials they grew and low prices for the manufactured goods they bought. In the south, plantation owners were concerned about a reduction in slave labor, which they thought would hurt their ability to produce cotton at a competive price.
Now that the United States controlled so much of North America, John Quincy Adams suggested to President Monroe that he use this power to warn European nations against further colonization in the America's. On December 2, 1823, the president delivered a speech to congress outlining what soon became known as the Monroe Doctrine.
Neither an executive order nor a law, the Monroe Doctrine was a statement of policy that has guided U.S. actions ever since. For the first time, the United States recognized that it had important national interests outside its geographic borders.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
The home in Key West, used by Harry S. Truman during his presidency. The residence is now a museum. Historians rank Harry S. Truman, our 33rd President, among America's ten best, although he was not particularly popular during his presidency (1945-52). What, then, are the qualities of the man that have vaulted him into his illustrious place in history? Truman has been called the "last human being" to occupy the White House, "an uncommon, common man."
Be that as it may, President Truman called the White House the "Great White Jail" and took great pleasure in escaping from it. Next to going home to Missouri, his favorite get-away was The Little White House in Key West, Florida. Truman's press secretary at the time commented the president could get more real work done in Key West than in Washington. Despite the heavy burden of office, Truman had a way of enjoying himself in Key West. Most days began with a brisk walk around the naval base. He fished, swam and lounged in the sun.
In April 1991, the Little White House was restored at a cost of $2 million and opened to the public. Prior to that time, roughly between the years 1974 and 1989, the house had fallen into serious disrepair. It had become a refuge for vagrants and rumored to be a crack house. Detroit businessman Henry A. Drettmann and his wife Mary, generously funded the restoration.
Guided tours, lasting about 40 minutes, give valuable insight into the President, and his days in Key West. Visitors begin by viewing a short movie which includes interesting newsreels.
Truman was at first a reluctant visitor to the Sunshine state. His doctor ordered him to this compound at the U.S. Naval Base when he couldn't shake a cold during the grueling early months of his presidency. He soon fell in love with the area. In March of 1949, he wrote to his wife Bess, "I've a notion to move the capital to Key West and just stay."
Even today, the fourteen room white frame house is modest by presidential standards, and was Spartan when Truman made his first visit in November of 1946.
According to the tour guides, 80 percent of the furnishings in the house are authentic, including the bedroom desk where Truman reputedly wrote more than 15,000 personal letters. Other significant pieces include Bess' desk, a poker table concealed under a removable mahogany wooden cover, a framed front page of the Chicago Tribune with the infamous headline "Dewey Defeats Truman," and other artifacts.
Guides jokingly tell you about Truman's famous Key West Uniform. A Miami publicist by the name Hank Meyer came up with the idea of sending the president colorful sports shirts. Truman loved the casual shirts and pictures of him wearing his "Key West Uniform" made front page stories across the nation. The subsequent publicity started a craze which continued for the rest of his visits to the city. He received dozens and dozens of similar shirts as gifts. Truman even expected his visitors to don the typically floral, Hawaiian shirts. Members of the press also adopted the Key West Uniform.
Truman was very fond of nightly poker games, which often lasted until midnight. Unlike today, the press kept quiet about these games, in consideration for the president's reputation. Apparently, it was believed the public might consider such card games unseemly. How times have changed! Historians say Truman had an unusually warm relationship with the press who referred to him as "Truman the Human."
The guides also mention Harry came downstairs every morning at 7:00 a.m. for a quick shot of bourbon with an orange juice chaser, rather than the standard cup of coffee. This unusual habit was said to astonish his housekeepers.
As a side note, two other Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the Little White House.
With so many other attractions in Key West, Truman's Little White House doesn't get the attention it deserves and that's a shame. The museum gives the American public a unique opportunity to discover a very personal side of Harry Truman and how his down-to-earth personality affected his presidency and the events of his day.
Key West and America lost a great man on December 26, 1972, when Harry Truman died. Two days later, the citizens of Key West gathered on the beach for a memorial service for their friend and their president. Taps was played and a wreath tossed onto the waves. The Little White House is located at 111 Front Street (Truman Annex) Key West, Florida, 33040.
A short biography of our nation's 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. Called a "common" man, he was an uncommon leader. On the day following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman is said to have told reporters, "When they told me yesterday what had happened, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me."
The nation, too, was stunned. Roosevelt--aristocratic, fatherly, and seemingly immortal--was gone. In his place stood Harry Truman, a plain-talking, small business man turned politician. He had a Missouri twang, a corny brand of humor, and an irrepressible grin. After the dramatic FDR, it was difficult to realize that Truman was exactly as he appeared at first glance: a typical American who didn't pretend to be anything else. One of his nicknames was "Mr. Average."
But if Truman represented the typical American, he certainly was not the typical president. Never before had there been anyone quite like Harry in the White House. Truman believed he and the presidency were separate entities. "Some men...get to thinking they are the power rather than the instrument of power," he said.
Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884. He grew up in Independence and for twelve years prospered as a farmer. He went to France in World War I as a captain in the Field Artillery. Upon his return, he married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace and opened a haberdashery in Kansas City.
Active in the democratic party, Truman was first a judge, then a senator. During World War II, he headed the Senate war investigating committee, checking into waste and corruption. His biographers note his effects saved perhaps as much as 15 billion dollars.
One in the office of President, Truman made some of the most crucial decisions in American history. Very soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached its final stage. Pleas to Japan to surrender were rejected. Truman, in consultation with is advisors, ordered atomic bombs dropped on cities devoted to war work. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed and the Japanese surrender quickly followed.
Although Truman had followed some of his predecessor's policies, he also developed a few of his own. He presented to Congress a twenty-one point program proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program, a permanent Fair Employment Practices Act and a public housing and slum clearance. It became known as the Fair Deal.
Despite a three-way split in the Democratic party, and practically unanimous predictions for his defeat, Truman won an astounding victory over Thomas Dewey in the 1948 election. His win proved another point: people really liked Truman.
Other foreign affairs required much of Truman's time. When the Russians blockaded the western sectors of Berlin in 1948, Truman created a massive airlift to supply Berliners until the Russians backed down. Meanwhile, he was negotiating a military alliance to protect Western nations, NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in 1949.
Truman again faced troubles abroad when Communist North Korea attacked South Korea. A long struggle ensued as U.N. forces held a line above the old boundary of South Korea. Truman kept the war a limited one, rather than risk a major conflict with China and perhaps Russia.
Deciding not to run again, Truman retired to Missouri at age 88. He died in December of 1972.
The home in Key West, used by Harry S. Truman during his presidency. The residence is now a museum. Historians rank Harry S. Truman, our 33rd President, among America's ten best, although he was not particularly popular during his presidency (1945-52). What, then, are the qualities of the man that have vaulted him into his illustrious place in history? Truman has been called the "last human being" to occupy the White House, "an uncommon, common man."
Be that as it may, President Truman called the White House the "Great White Jail" and took great pleasure in escaping from it. Next to going home to Missouri, his favorite get-away was The Little White House in Key West, Florida. Truman's press secretary at the time commented the president could get more real work done in Key West than in Washington. Despite the heavy burden of office, Truman had a way of enjoying himself in Key West. Most days began with a brisk walk around the naval base. He fished, swam and lounged in the sun.
In April 1991, the Little White House was restored at a cost of $2 million and opened to the public. Prior to that time, roughly between the years 1974 and 1989, the house had fallen into serious disrepair. It had become a refuge for vagrants and rumored to be a crack house. Detroit businessman Henry A. Drettmann and his wife Mary, generously funded the restoration.
Guided tours, lasting about 40 minutes, give valuable insight into the President, and his days in Key West. Visitors begin by viewing a short movie which includes interesting newsreels.
Truman was at first a reluctant visitor to the Sunshine state. His doctor ordered him to this compound at the U.S. Naval Base when he couldn't shake a cold during the grueling early months of his presidency. He soon fell in love with the area. In March of 1949, he wrote to his wife Bess, "I've a notion to move the capital to Key West and just stay."
Even today, the fourteen room white frame house is modest by presidential standards, and was Spartan when Truman made his first visit in November of 1946.
According to the tour guides, 80 percent of the furnishings in the house are authentic, including the bedroom desk where Truman reputedly wrote more than 15,000 personal letters. Other significant pieces include Bess' desk, a poker table concealed under a removable mahogany wooden cover, a framed front page of the Chicago Tribune with the infamous headline "Dewey Defeats Truman," and other artifacts.
Guides jokingly tell you about Truman's famous Key West Uniform. A Miami publicist by the name Hank Meyer came up with the idea of sending the president colorful sports shirts. Truman loved the casual shirts and pictures of him wearing his "Key West Uniform" made front page stories across the nation. The subsequent publicity started a craze which continued for the rest of his visits to the city. He received dozens and dozens of similar shirts as gifts. Truman even expected his visitors to don the typically floral, Hawaiian shirts. Members of the press also adopted the Key West Uniform.
Truman was very fond of nightly poker games, which often lasted until midnight. Unlike today, the press kept quiet about these games, in consideration for the president's reputation. Apparently, it was believed the public might consider such card games unseemly. How times have changed! Historians say Truman had an unusually warm relationship with the press who referred to him as "Truman the Human."
The guides also mention Harry came downstairs every morning at 7:00 a.m. for a quick shot of bourbon with an orange juice chaser, rather than the standard cup of coffee. This unusual habit was said to astonish his housekeepers.
As a side note, two other Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the Little White House.
With so many other attractions in Key West, Truman's Little White House doesn't get the attention it deserves and that's a shame. The museum gives the American public a unique opportunity to discover a very personal side of Harry Truman and how his down-to-earth personality affected his presidency and the events of his day.
Key West and America lost a great man on December 26, 1972, when Harry Truman died. Two days later, the citizens of Key West gathered on the beach for a memorial service for their friend and their president. Taps was played and a wreath tossed onto the waves. The Little White House is located at 111 Front Street (Truman Annex) Key West, Florida, 33040.
A short biography of our nation's 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. Called a "common" man, he was an uncommon leader. On the day following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman is said to have told reporters, "When they told me yesterday what had happened, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me."
The nation, too, was stunned. Roosevelt--aristocratic, fatherly, and seemingly immortal--was gone. In his place stood Harry Truman, a plain-talking, small business man turned politician. He had a Missouri twang, a corny brand of humor, and an irrepressible grin. After the dramatic FDR, it was difficult to realize that Truman was exactly as he appeared at first glance: a typical American who didn't pretend to be anything else. One of his nicknames was "Mr. Average."
But if Truman represented the typical American, he certainly was not the typical president. Never before had there been anyone quite like Harry in the White House. Truman believed he and the presidency were separate entities. "Some men...get to thinking they are the power rather than the instrument of power," he said.
Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884. He grew up in Independence and for twelve years prospered as a farmer. He went to France in World War I as a captain in the Field Artillery. Upon his return, he married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace and opened a haberdashery in Kansas City.
Active in the democratic party, Truman was first a judge, then a senator. During World War II, he headed the Senate war investigating committee, checking into waste and corruption. His biographers note his effects saved perhaps as much as 15 billion dollars.
One in the office of President, Truman made some of the most crucial decisions in American history. Very soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached its final stage. Pleas to Japan to surrender were rejected. Truman, in consultation with is advisors, ordered atomic bombs dropped on cities devoted to war work. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed and the Japanese surrender quickly followed.
Although Truman had followed some of his predecessor's policies, he also developed a few of his own. He presented to Congress a twenty-one point program proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program, a permanent Fair Employment Practices Act and a public housing and slum clearance. It became known as the Fair Deal.
Despite a three-way split in the Democratic party, and practically unanimous predictions for his defeat, Truman won an astounding victory over Thomas Dewey in the 1948 election. His win proved another point: people really liked Truman.
Other foreign affairs required much of Truman's time. When the Russians blockaded the western sectors of Berlin in 1948, Truman created a massive airlift to supply Berliners until the Russians backed down. Meanwhile, he was negotiating a military alliance to protect Western nations, NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, established in 1949.
Truman again faced troubles abroad when Communist North Korea attacked South Korea. A long struggle ensued as U.N. forces held a line above the old boundary of South Korea. Truman kept the war a limited one, rather than risk a major conflict with China and perhaps Russia.
Deciding not to run again, Truman retired to Missouri at age 88. He died in December of 1972.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Florence Kelley
Florence Kelley - Social Reformer
Florence Kelley was a leader of social reform in the United States and helped pass many laws regulating child labor. When most people think of the Jane Addams Hull House or the Settlement House movement for social reform, they associate Addams, Julia Lathrop, or Lillian Wald with movers for social reform. However, Florence Kelley's contributions to reform for labor and welfare at both the state and federal levels were truly outstanding.
Florence Kelley was born in 1859. Her father took her on a tour of factories that used child labor, and so began her lifelong commitment to helping children in these horrendous and abusive environments. She was educated at Cornell University and the University of Zurich. She read Fredrich Engel's works when she was in Switzerland, and these had a profound influence on her.
After coming back home to the United States, she started out working with Addams and while there, she found children working in abhorrent conditions for clothing manufacturers. She had a way with words and described the horrible circumstances in writing that has been compared to that of Charles Dickens. Her detailed studies of the environment in which children worked brought about the first important labor laws for women and children in the U.S.
She was asked to be the director of the National Consumers' League in New York and took the position. As a result of her work with this newly formed organization, clothing was required to be labeled with labels stating it had not been made with child labor.
Kelley was also deeply involved in improving labor conditions for women. Louis Brandeis was the attorney she used in reform for child labor, and she turned once again to him for reform of labor conditions for women. He published her research in the Brandeis Brief (still widely used today), and that was instrumental in getting a law limiting women's hours to ten per day passed in Oregon and upheld in the Supreme Court.
1903 marked another turning point for labor reform for women. Kelley was one of the founders of the National Women's Trade Union League. Working with Grace Abbot, who was the Immigrants' Protective League director, and others, this new organization was instrumental in getting laws passed that regulated minimum wages and other issues relating to labor.
Among her many other achievements, Kelley was also a mover in the suffragist movement. She helped establish the National Associate for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and was one of the founding members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919. Juvenile courts in the United States were brought about partially by the work she did for that cause.
After a life of contributing to the well being of thousands of people, Florence Kelley died in Philadelphia in 1943.
Florence Kelley was a leader of social reform in the United States and helped pass many laws regulating child labor. When most people think of the Jane Addams Hull House or the Settlement House movement for social reform, they associate Addams, Julia Lathrop, or Lillian Wald with movers for social reform. However, Florence Kelley's contributions to reform for labor and welfare at both the state and federal levels were truly outstanding.
Florence Kelley was born in 1859. Her father took her on a tour of factories that used child labor, and so began her lifelong commitment to helping children in these horrendous and abusive environments. She was educated at Cornell University and the University of Zurich. She read Fredrich Engel's works when she was in Switzerland, and these had a profound influence on her.
After coming back home to the United States, she started out working with Addams and while there, she found children working in abhorrent conditions for clothing manufacturers. She had a way with words and described the horrible circumstances in writing that has been compared to that of Charles Dickens. Her detailed studies of the environment in which children worked brought about the first important labor laws for women and children in the U.S.
She was asked to be the director of the National Consumers' League in New York and took the position. As a result of her work with this newly formed organization, clothing was required to be labeled with labels stating it had not been made with child labor.
Kelley was also deeply involved in improving labor conditions for women. Louis Brandeis was the attorney she used in reform for child labor, and she turned once again to him for reform of labor conditions for women. He published her research in the Brandeis Brief (still widely used today), and that was instrumental in getting a law limiting women's hours to ten per day passed in Oregon and upheld in the Supreme Court.
1903 marked another turning point for labor reform for women. Kelley was one of the founders of the National Women's Trade Union League. Working with Grace Abbot, who was the Immigrants' Protective League director, and others, this new organization was instrumental in getting laws passed that regulated minimum wages and other issues relating to labor.
Among her many other achievements, Kelley was also a mover in the suffragist movement. She helped establish the National Associate for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and was one of the founding members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919. Juvenile courts in the United States were brought about partially by the work she did for that cause.
After a life of contributing to the well being of thousands of people, Florence Kelley died in Philadelphia in 1943.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Diamond Jim Brady
Diamond Jim Brady
This biography of Diamond Jim Brady gives pertinent details of his lavish life in New York City.
Born in New York City on August 12, 1856, James Buchanan Brady's parents probably never had a clue that their son would amass a great fortune and be known all over the city for his lavish behavior.
Brady was educated at public schools and began working as a bellhop and a messenger for the New York Central Railway at an early age. He then worked at several positions for the railway, finally settling on selling railway equipment when he was twenty-three years old. He went to work for the Manning, Maxwell, and Moore manufacturing company and started earning commissions, which he promptly turned into more cash by beginning his own metal-saw manufacturing business. The success of his company was outstanding, and his saws were used everywhere.
But he loved railway cars most and his knowledge of the transportation system helped get him a job for Fox Pressed Steel Car Company, a British company. As time went on, he became known in the field and was offered directorships or presidencies for other companies as well. He was vice-president of the Standard Car Company. By the time he was forty-five, his fortune was huge.
Brady indulged his tastes for fine food, wine, and especially diamonds. He began collecting diamond jewelry and wore it everywhere, hence the name "Diamond Jim." He wore many diamonds at one time, on ties, vests, cuff links, and even as a topping for his cane. Many people imitated Brady, including Pearl Jim Murray, who collected pearls the way Brady collected diamonds. Brady was kind to all his copycats, often entertaining them with luxurious dinners and parties. He loved being seen with showgirls, who hung onto him like moss to a rock. Lillian Russell was his favorite date.
His appetite for gourmet food was insatiable, and he gorged himself at restaurants and parties. One night's meal might consist of several crabs, many lobsters and oysters, several meat dishes, and two or more whole fowl. He drank huge amounts of orange juice with his meals. His lifestyle caught up with him, though. Brady first consulted doctors for stomach diseases brought on by his uncontrollable eating habits: diabetes, heart and urinary problems, and high blood pressure. His prostate was swollen beyond belief. His stomach was six times the size of a normal person's stomach. After a new technique at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore helped clean the prostate, Brady went back to New York and lived lavishly for another five years.
But on April 13, 1917, Brady died of complications of his diseases. He left most of his wealth to Johns Hopkins and New York Hospital to help found medical institutes in his name.
This biography of Diamond Jim Brady gives pertinent details of his lavish life in New York City.
Born in New York City on August 12, 1856, James Buchanan Brady's parents probably never had a clue that their son would amass a great fortune and be known all over the city for his lavish behavior.
Brady was educated at public schools and began working as a bellhop and a messenger for the New York Central Railway at an early age. He then worked at several positions for the railway, finally settling on selling railway equipment when he was twenty-three years old. He went to work for the Manning, Maxwell, and Moore manufacturing company and started earning commissions, which he promptly turned into more cash by beginning his own metal-saw manufacturing business. The success of his company was outstanding, and his saws were used everywhere.
But he loved railway cars most and his knowledge of the transportation system helped get him a job for Fox Pressed Steel Car Company, a British company. As time went on, he became known in the field and was offered directorships or presidencies for other companies as well. He was vice-president of the Standard Car Company. By the time he was forty-five, his fortune was huge.
Brady indulged his tastes for fine food, wine, and especially diamonds. He began collecting diamond jewelry and wore it everywhere, hence the name "Diamond Jim." He wore many diamonds at one time, on ties, vests, cuff links, and even as a topping for his cane. Many people imitated Brady, including Pearl Jim Murray, who collected pearls the way Brady collected diamonds. Brady was kind to all his copycats, often entertaining them with luxurious dinners and parties. He loved being seen with showgirls, who hung onto him like moss to a rock. Lillian Russell was his favorite date.
His appetite for gourmet food was insatiable, and he gorged himself at restaurants and parties. One night's meal might consist of several crabs, many lobsters and oysters, several meat dishes, and two or more whole fowl. He drank huge amounts of orange juice with his meals. His lifestyle caught up with him, though. Brady first consulted doctors for stomach diseases brought on by his uncontrollable eating habits: diabetes, heart and urinary problems, and high blood pressure. His prostate was swollen beyond belief. His stomach was six times the size of a normal person's stomach. After a new technique at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore helped clean the prostate, Brady went back to New York and lived lavishly for another five years.
But on April 13, 1917, Brady died of complications of his diseases. He left most of his wealth to Johns Hopkins and New York Hospital to help found medical institutes in his name.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Bill Veeck, Jr.
Bill Veeck, Jr.
Summary of the life and baseball career of Bill Veeck, Jr.
William Veeck Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 9, 1914. His father, Bill Veeck Sr. became president of the Chicago Cubs in 1917. During his youth, the younger Veeck met many famous ballplayers and worked as an office boy for the Cubs.
Veeck and former Cubs first base star Charlie Grimm borrowed enough money to buy the minor-league Milwaukee Brewers franchise in 1941. Before World War II, Veeck and Grimm bought and sold players left and right while trying to balance their sparse budget. In 1944, Veeck joined the United States Marines and was sent to the South Pacific where he became seriously injured. Veeck had 10 surgeries that resulted in his right leg being amputated. He was then fitted with an artificial leg. Upon his return to baseball, the Brewers won 3 American Association pennants and erased the club's debt.
Veeck bought the Cleveland Indians in 1946. After only two and a half years under new ownership, they won the American League pennant for the first time in 28 years. The Indians also went on to beat the Boston Braves in the 1948 World Series. In 1947, Veeck signed the American League's first black player, Larry Doby. In 1948, he signed Satchel Paige who, at age 42, was the oldest rookie in major league baseball. These signings upset rival owners but proved to be valuable assets to the 1948 World Championship team. After building the Indians team, Veeck was forced to sell them in 1949 over financial problems.
Veeck purchased the last place St. Louis Browns in 1951. The Browns attendance grew nearly 60% in 1952, however, the team itself showed minimal improvement that year. After the 1952 season, Veeck attempted to move the Browns to Milwaukee but was blocked by the other American League owners. In 1953, a near bankrupt Veeck sold the Browns and a year later the American League allowed the Browns to move to Baltimore.
For 5 years, Veeck stayed away from baseball but in 1959 he returned and bought the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox won their first American League pennant in 40 years at the end of their first season with Veeck. To add excitement to the game, Veeck introduced the first exploding scoreboard that spewed fireworks when the White Sox scored a home run. Veeck was also the first owner to put players' names on the backs of their uniforms, which is commonplace in many sports today. The White Sox doubled their attendance figures under Veeck's guidance. In June of 1961, illness forced Veeck to sell the White Sox.
In the late 1960's, Veeck turned to thoroughbred racing and purchased Suffolk Downs Race Track in Massachusetts. He later sold his racing business. He owned the Chicago White Sox once again from 1976 to 1981. He was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Veeck died on January 2, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. He was cremated and his remains were laid to rest at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
Summary of the life and baseball career of Bill Veeck, Jr.
William Veeck Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 9, 1914. His father, Bill Veeck Sr. became president of the Chicago Cubs in 1917. During his youth, the younger Veeck met many famous ballplayers and worked as an office boy for the Cubs.
Veeck and former Cubs first base star Charlie Grimm borrowed enough money to buy the minor-league Milwaukee Brewers franchise in 1941. Before World War II, Veeck and Grimm bought and sold players left and right while trying to balance their sparse budget. In 1944, Veeck joined the United States Marines and was sent to the South Pacific where he became seriously injured. Veeck had 10 surgeries that resulted in his right leg being amputated. He was then fitted with an artificial leg. Upon his return to baseball, the Brewers won 3 American Association pennants and erased the club's debt.
Veeck bought the Cleveland Indians in 1946. After only two and a half years under new ownership, they won the American League pennant for the first time in 28 years. The Indians also went on to beat the Boston Braves in the 1948 World Series. In 1947, Veeck signed the American League's first black player, Larry Doby. In 1948, he signed Satchel Paige who, at age 42, was the oldest rookie in major league baseball. These signings upset rival owners but proved to be valuable assets to the 1948 World Championship team. After building the Indians team, Veeck was forced to sell them in 1949 over financial problems.
Veeck purchased the last place St. Louis Browns in 1951. The Browns attendance grew nearly 60% in 1952, however, the team itself showed minimal improvement that year. After the 1952 season, Veeck attempted to move the Browns to Milwaukee but was blocked by the other American League owners. In 1953, a near bankrupt Veeck sold the Browns and a year later the American League allowed the Browns to move to Baltimore.
For 5 years, Veeck stayed away from baseball but in 1959 he returned and bought the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox won their first American League pennant in 40 years at the end of their first season with Veeck. To add excitement to the game, Veeck introduced the first exploding scoreboard that spewed fireworks when the White Sox scored a home run. Veeck was also the first owner to put players' names on the backs of their uniforms, which is commonplace in many sports today. The White Sox doubled their attendance figures under Veeck's guidance. In June of 1961, illness forced Veeck to sell the White Sox.
In the late 1960's, Veeck turned to thoroughbred racing and purchased Suffolk Downs Race Track in Massachusetts. He later sold his racing business. He owned the Chicago White Sox once again from 1976 to 1981. He was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Veeck died on January 2, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois. He was cremated and his remains were laid to rest at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie
A brief biography of Agatha Christie. Despite the massive fame of her mystery novels, Agatha Christie was a very private person. But behind the curtain of mystery is the fascinating life story of this famous author. Although an autobiography and several biographies have been published, Agatha Christie valued her privacy and rarely granted interviews. Even today, an air of mystery lingers over her memory and her life. She felt that writers should be judged by their work, not by who they are. While we as a society certainly praise her for her brilliant work, we can't help but be somewhat curious about the woman behind the pages.
Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller Christie Mallowan was born 15 September 1890 at Ashfield, her family's home in the seaside resort of Torquay, Devon. Her parents home-schooled her until the time she left the coziness of her hometown and attended a finishing school in the vibrant city of Paris. There, she exhibited more talent as a singer and pianist, than as a writer.
In 1913, Agatha met Archibald Christie, a young army officer, and they were married on Christmas Eve in 1914. They were separated for most of the war, and eventually divorced. However, prior to the divorce and the tragic death of her mother, both of which occurred in 1928, Agatha spent her time volunteering as a nurse at local hospitals. This is where her knowledge of poisons, as well as her fascination for them, emerged.
After the war, Archie Christie went into business in London, while Agatha stayed at home with their daughter Rosalind, born in 1919. In 1920, Agatha submitted her first novel, 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' featuring the eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, to four publishers. Only one accepted the book, which met with moderate success.
It wasn't however until 1926, upon the publication of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” that Christie's work first gained major recognition. The publication of this taut mystery novel, with its controversial and wholly unanticipated ending, catapulted Christie into full-fledged literary stardom. She went on to write nearly eighty novels in her career and more than a hundred short stories.
During the early 1950s, Christie's "other" career as a playwright, reached its peak with the production of 'The Mousetrap' and 'Witness for the Prosecution' in London in 1952 and 1953. 'The Mousetrap' has been running continuously in London's West End since opening night in 1952 and has become the world's longest-running play.
After a leg injury in 1971, Christie's health began to fail, and the frequency of her books declined. Her last formal public appearance was in 1974 at the opening of the film 'Murder on the Orient Express', which was attended by Queen Elizabeth and members of the royal family. Agatha Christie died at her home at Wallingford, Berkshire, on January 12, 1976, and was buried in a private ceremony at St. Mary's Churchyard, Cholsey, Berkshire four days later.
Indisputably, the popularity of her books will live on indefinitely. Agatha Christie's books have sold over a billion copies in the English language with another billion in 44 foreign languages. She is the most widely published author of all time in any language, out-sold by only the Bible and Shakespeare. She is the author of 79 crime novels and short story collections, 19 plays, and 6 novels written under the name of Mary Westmacott.
A brief biography of Agatha Christie. Despite the massive fame of her mystery novels, Agatha Christie was a very private person. But behind the curtain of mystery is the fascinating life story of this famous author. Although an autobiography and several biographies have been published, Agatha Christie valued her privacy and rarely granted interviews. Even today, an air of mystery lingers over her memory and her life. She felt that writers should be judged by their work, not by who they are. While we as a society certainly praise her for her brilliant work, we can't help but be somewhat curious about the woman behind the pages.
Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller Christie Mallowan was born 15 September 1890 at Ashfield, her family's home in the seaside resort of Torquay, Devon. Her parents home-schooled her until the time she left the coziness of her hometown and attended a finishing school in the vibrant city of Paris. There, she exhibited more talent as a singer and pianist, than as a writer.
In 1913, Agatha met Archibald Christie, a young army officer, and they were married on Christmas Eve in 1914. They were separated for most of the war, and eventually divorced. However, prior to the divorce and the tragic death of her mother, both of which occurred in 1928, Agatha spent her time volunteering as a nurse at local hospitals. This is where her knowledge of poisons, as well as her fascination for them, emerged.
After the war, Archie Christie went into business in London, while Agatha stayed at home with their daughter Rosalind, born in 1919. In 1920, Agatha submitted her first novel, 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' featuring the eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, to four publishers. Only one accepted the book, which met with moderate success.
It wasn't however until 1926, upon the publication of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” that Christie's work first gained major recognition. The publication of this taut mystery novel, with its controversial and wholly unanticipated ending, catapulted Christie into full-fledged literary stardom. She went on to write nearly eighty novels in her career and more than a hundred short stories.
During the early 1950s, Christie's "other" career as a playwright, reached its peak with the production of 'The Mousetrap' and 'Witness for the Prosecution' in London in 1952 and 1953. 'The Mousetrap' has been running continuously in London's West End since opening night in 1952 and has become the world's longest-running play.
After a leg injury in 1971, Christie's health began to fail, and the frequency of her books declined. Her last formal public appearance was in 1974 at the opening of the film 'Murder on the Orient Express', which was attended by Queen Elizabeth and members of the royal family. Agatha Christie died at her home at Wallingford, Berkshire, on January 12, 1976, and was buried in a private ceremony at St. Mary's Churchyard, Cholsey, Berkshire four days later.
Indisputably, the popularity of her books will live on indefinitely. Agatha Christie's books have sold over a billion copies in the English language with another billion in 44 foreign languages. She is the most widely published author of all time in any language, out-sold by only the Bible and Shakespeare. She is the author of 79 crime novels and short story collections, 19 plays, and 6 novels written under the name of Mary Westmacott.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
John Quicy Adams
John Quicy Adams
John Quincy Adams became the sixth president of the United States in 1825. His vice president was John C. Calhoun. His nichname was old man eloquent and was the only president to name a son George Washington. John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Ma on July 11, 1767. He became the sixth president of the United States in 1825, and served until 1829. His vice president was John C. Calhoun.
After the House of Representatives choose John Quincy Adams to be the sixth president in February 1825, Adams' friends gave him some advice. They told him to fire all of Monroe's appointees and name his own people to federal office.
As it turned out, the advice Adams got was good, but he refused to heed it. The new president did not think it would be a good idea, or look right, for him to reward his own followers with powerful political appointments. Instead, his administration remained filled with people who did not wish him well.
Adams was the first president to champion the government's role in making internal improvements for the benefit of trade. Adams wanted the government to take an active role in expanding commerce. The president had earlier adopted the American System, developed by Secretary of State Clay while he was still in the House of Representatives. The point of the American System was to create a self-sufficient national economy.
Clay believed that a factory economy in the North could provide markets for southern cotton as well as western grain and beef. In exchange, the south and west would buy Northern manufactured goods. The congressmen who fought the American System did so for a number of reasons. Some were merely blocking Adams in order to ensure the election of Jackson in 1828. Others worried that the federal government was becoming too powerful.
Ever since the louisiana purchase and the War of 1812, the country's growing size and nationalism had made the role of the federal government ever more important. This development made many states nervous for the same reason Jefferson would have been. They believed that a strong federal government was dangerous because it meant less freedom for the states.
Throughout his presidency, Adams pressed for higher tariffs on imported manufactured goods. During his last year in office, a tarrif bill was finally passed by Congress, but it was not the Bill that adams had proposed.
In an attempt to embarrass the president, the Jackson supporters in Congress had amended Adam's plan so that it raised tariffs on imported raw materials as well. They were sure that New England congressmen, who otherwise supported Adams, would never vote for such a bill because it would raise the prices New England factories paid for their raw materials.
They were wrong! The tariff of 1828 passed and was signed by the president. The new tariff rates dramatically raised the prices of all sorts of goods, which made the public furious. The new law did not embarass Adams, but it did eliminate whatever small chance he might have had at winning re-election. Still, whatever good the tariff did for Andrew Jackson, it also passed along to him crisis in the making.
After, John Quincy Adams lost the 1828 election to Andrew Jackson, most people expected him to retire. Instead, in 1830, the 63 year old Adams ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and won. He thus became the first president to serve in Congress after leaving the White House.
In february 1848, John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House. The 81 year old former president was carried to a nearby chamber. He died there two days later because doctors considered it too dangerous to move him.
John Quincy Adams became the sixth president of the United States in 1825. His vice president was John C. Calhoun. His nichname was old man eloquent and was the only president to name a son George Washington. John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Ma on July 11, 1767. He became the sixth president of the United States in 1825, and served until 1829. His vice president was John C. Calhoun.
After the House of Representatives choose John Quincy Adams to be the sixth president in February 1825, Adams' friends gave him some advice. They told him to fire all of Monroe's appointees and name his own people to federal office.
As it turned out, the advice Adams got was good, but he refused to heed it. The new president did not think it would be a good idea, or look right, for him to reward his own followers with powerful political appointments. Instead, his administration remained filled with people who did not wish him well.
Adams was the first president to champion the government's role in making internal improvements for the benefit of trade. Adams wanted the government to take an active role in expanding commerce. The president had earlier adopted the American System, developed by Secretary of State Clay while he was still in the House of Representatives. The point of the American System was to create a self-sufficient national economy.
Clay believed that a factory economy in the North could provide markets for southern cotton as well as western grain and beef. In exchange, the south and west would buy Northern manufactured goods. The congressmen who fought the American System did so for a number of reasons. Some were merely blocking Adams in order to ensure the election of Jackson in 1828. Others worried that the federal government was becoming too powerful.
Ever since the louisiana purchase and the War of 1812, the country's growing size and nationalism had made the role of the federal government ever more important. This development made many states nervous for the same reason Jefferson would have been. They believed that a strong federal government was dangerous because it meant less freedom for the states.
Throughout his presidency, Adams pressed for higher tariffs on imported manufactured goods. During his last year in office, a tarrif bill was finally passed by Congress, but it was not the Bill that adams had proposed.
In an attempt to embarrass the president, the Jackson supporters in Congress had amended Adam's plan so that it raised tariffs on imported raw materials as well. They were sure that New England congressmen, who otherwise supported Adams, would never vote for such a bill because it would raise the prices New England factories paid for their raw materials.
They were wrong! The tariff of 1828 passed and was signed by the president. The new tariff rates dramatically raised the prices of all sorts of goods, which made the public furious. The new law did not embarass Adams, but it did eliminate whatever small chance he might have had at winning re-election. Still, whatever good the tariff did for Andrew Jackson, it also passed along to him crisis in the making.
After, John Quincy Adams lost the 1828 election to Andrew Jackson, most people expected him to retire. Instead, in 1830, the 63 year old Adams ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and won. He thus became the first president to serve in Congress after leaving the White House.
In february 1848, John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House. The 81 year old former president was carried to a nearby chamber. He died there two days later because doctors considered it too dangerous to move him.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones is a highly talented singer and actress that has been entertaining audiences with her beautiful songbird voice for quite some time. Shirley Jones was born on March 31, 1934, in Smithton, Pennsylvania. She was the only child born to Paul and Marjorie Jones. When Shirley was a young girl, her mother recognized that she had a natural talent in singing. Shirley Jones has never had one voice lesson. She studied drama at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. After school, Shirley performed with the Civic Light Opera Company. As a teenager, Shirley was crowned Miss Pittsburgh, a title that started her on her way to a career in show business.
When she was nineteen years old, Shirley auditioned for the songwriters Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Her girl next door appearance and soprano voice impressed the songwriting team. They cast her in a minor role in their Broadway production of "Me and Juliet" in 1953. Because of her exceptional talent, Miss Jones was signed to play the lead on tour. The following year Rodgers and Hammerstein signed Shirley to play the female lead in their film "Oklahoma!" From there, she was cast in the film "Carousel." After that, Miss Jones appeared regularly in films through the 1960’s.
In 1956, Shirley Jones and actor Jack Cassidy were wed. The two had three children together one of which is actor/producer/director Shaun Cassidy. Shirley helped raise Jack’s son, David from a previous marriage. In 1975, the couple was divorced.
In 1970, Miss Jones went from films to television where she was cast in the show "The Partridge Family" which also starred her stepson David Cassidy. After the show was cancelled, Shirley Jones appeared in television movies through the 1980’s.
In 1977, Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels were married after a brief whirlwind courtship. After twenty-one years of marriage, the couple has separated.
In the early 1990’s, Miss Jones went on a musical concert tour, which was quite successful. She has also made special guest appearances on some sitcoms such as "Drew Carey" and other television shows. Miss Jones has appeared in stage plays since the 1990’s as well.
Shirley Jones is a highly talented singer and actress that has been entertaining audiences with her beautiful songbird voice for quite some time. Shirley Jones was born on March 31, 1934, in Smithton, Pennsylvania. She was the only child born to Paul and Marjorie Jones. When Shirley was a young girl, her mother recognized that she had a natural talent in singing. Shirley Jones has never had one voice lesson. She studied drama at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. After school, Shirley performed with the Civic Light Opera Company. As a teenager, Shirley was crowned Miss Pittsburgh, a title that started her on her way to a career in show business.
When she was nineteen years old, Shirley auditioned for the songwriters Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Her girl next door appearance and soprano voice impressed the songwriting team. They cast her in a minor role in their Broadway production of "Me and Juliet" in 1953. Because of her exceptional talent, Miss Jones was signed to play the lead on tour. The following year Rodgers and Hammerstein signed Shirley to play the female lead in their film "Oklahoma!" From there, she was cast in the film "Carousel." After that, Miss Jones appeared regularly in films through the 1960’s.
In 1956, Shirley Jones and actor Jack Cassidy were wed. The two had three children together one of which is actor/producer/director Shaun Cassidy. Shirley helped raise Jack’s son, David from a previous marriage. In 1975, the couple was divorced.
In 1970, Miss Jones went from films to television where she was cast in the show "The Partridge Family" which also starred her stepson David Cassidy. After the show was cancelled, Shirley Jones appeared in television movies through the 1980’s.
In 1977, Shirley Jones and Marty Ingels were married after a brief whirlwind courtship. After twenty-one years of marriage, the couple has separated.
In the early 1990’s, Miss Jones went on a musical concert tour, which was quite successful. She has also made special guest appearances on some sitcoms such as "Drew Carey" and other television shows. Miss Jones has appeared in stage plays since the 1990’s as well.
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