Presidents of the United States Group Project
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Requirements: 1-A picture of President 2-Quote from President 3-A list of quick facts. 4-One paragraph about a major accomplishment or major incident during presidency. 5-One paragraph about interesting, silly, or wacky events in President's life. 6-Add to the Bibliography at the bottom of the page. Please check the Bibliography Requirements section of Writing a Research Report Guidelines if you need help with the formatting. Remember: All contributions to Lowego Wiki must be student generated. Plagiarism occurs when copyrighted material is copied without permission.
#1 George Washington
by Mrs. Lowe (sample)
"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."
Term of Office: 1789-1797
Party: Federalist Party
Born: February 2, 1732
Died: December 14, 1799
Wife: Martha Dandridge Custis
Children: two step children
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
George Washington, who will always be remembered as the "Father of Our Country," was the first president elected after the new Constitution was ratified. In fact, he is still the only president to ever have been elected unanimously, winning every electoral vote. President Washington took the job of leading a new country very seriously. George Washington wanted the Office of President to have high values. As the first President, he set many precedents for future Presidents to follow. Presidents still seek advice from their Cabinet secretaries and present State of the Union messages. Putting these systems and traditions in place is how he earned the nickname "Father of Our Country."
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Stories
Although American school children hear stories about George Washington from the time they are in kindergarten, two of those stories are actually false rumors. Washington did not chop down a cherry tree and then confess the deed to his father. This story was completely made up by a writer who wanted to illustrate George Washington's honesty. Another false rumor concerned his false teeth. George Washington loved to crack nuts with his teeth. By the time he was elected President, he had only one natural tooth left. Many people heard that his dentures were made of wood. They were, however, made from elephant and walrus tusk, plus cow, hippo and even other human teeth.
#2 John Adams
by JC
"The hapiness of society is the end of government."
Term of Office: March 4, 1797 to March 3, 1801
Party: Federalist
Vice President: Thomas Jefferson
Born: Braintree(Quincy), Massachusetts October 30, 1735
Died: Braintree(Quincy), Massachusetts July 4, 1826
Wife: Abigail Adams
Children: John Quincy Adams, Charles Adams, Thomas Adams, and a daughter that died young
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
John Adams has a national landmark in honor of him in Massachusetts. It is called the Adams National Historic Site. Another major accomplishment was that he established a permanent United States naval fleet.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
John Adams was the first president to actually live in the white house. His inauguration was when he was 61 years old. He had the nickname of the Father of American Independence.
#3 Thomas Jefferson
by HL
"In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current."
Term of Office: 1801 to 1809
Party: Democratic Republican
Vice President: Aaron Burr and George Clinton
Born: April 13, 1743
Died: July 4, 1826
Wife: Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson
Children: Martha Washington Jefferson, Jane Randolph Jefferson, Stillborn son, Mary Wayles Jefferson, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson I, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson II
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
Thomas Jefferson authorized the Lewis and Clark expedition during his term. He sent Lewis and Clark put in 1804 with a party of thirty-three men. Their job was to explore the land America had bought from France. Lewis and Clark returned in 1806. Another accomplishment is Thomas Jefferson proved to the Americans that tomatoes were not poisonous after eating one.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
Thomas Jefferson took a cold foot bath every morning. He did this for 60 YEARS. He had a mocking bird named Dick. Thomas Jefferson also played the violin.
#4 James Madison
BY:MR
"The happy union of these states is a wonder; Their constitution is a miracle;Thier example the hope of liberty throughout the world."
Born: March 16, 1751
Birthplace: Port Conway, Virginia
Number of presidency: 4
Party:Democratic Republican
Term of office: March 4, 1809-March 3, 1817
Vice president: George Clinton(1809-1813) Elbridge Gerry (1813-1817)
Family~
First Lady:Dolley Payne Todd Madison-wife
Died: June 28, 1836 ='(
Major Accomplishments
James Madison had a few major accomplishment during his time as president. He was the person who introduced the Bill of Rights to the Congress. But, every president does something wrong. In 1814 the people in the White House were not prepared for the British when they set fire on the white house. But his wife, Dolly saved a famous portrait of George Washington. Dolly and James were thanked for saving the picture. Sometimes bad things turn out to be good after all!
Wacky facts!
Many presidents have wacky facts but James Madison are a bit different from the other ones. James was actually the shortest president! He was only 5 feet 4 inches. He weighed less than 100 pounds which makes him the smallest president ever. Madison was also the first president to wear long trousers. Since he is so short and wasn't prepared for the fire in 1814 you probably think he is really dumb, but he actually graduated Princeton University in 2 years! His profession is a planter and a lawyer. Another wacky fact would be that his wife was actually the first woman to be called a first lady. Although every president may make mistakes they are always many ways to cover them with laughter.
#5 James Monroe
by HL
"National honor is the national property of the highest value."
Term of Office: 1817 to 1825
Party: Democratic - Republican
Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins
Born: April 28, 1758
Died: July 4, 1831
Wife: Elizabeth Kortright Monroe
Children: Maria
Major Accomplishments
One major accomplishment that James Monroe did was the “Era of Good Feelings.” The “Era of Good Feelings” were two tours that James Monroe made. These two tours were to spread good will in the Union.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
James Monroe was the third president to die on July 4th. The two previous presidents were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. James Monroe died of heart failure and tuberculosis at the age of 73, in New York City.
#6 John Quincy Adams
by JC
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and may cherish the sweets reflection that your vote is never lost."
Term of Office: March 4, 1825 to March 3, 1829
Party: Democratic Republican
Born: Braintree(Quincy), Massachusetts July 11, 1767
Died: February 23, 1848
Wife:
Children: Louisa Adams
Major Accomplishment/ Incedint During Presidency
John Quincy Adams was a man of great honesty that the people said. This president was very truthful. They said he was like his father in many ways.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Events In Life
John Quincy Adams did not have normal pets. One species of pets he had were silkworms. The alarming one was that he had a pet alligator! Every morning if the weather was nice he and his alligator swam together in the Pontomac River. He was also the first president to have his picture taken. He enjoyed billiards, swimming, and taking walks.
#7 Andrew Jackson
by CL
"The great can protect themselves, but the poor and humble, require the arm and shield of the law"
Born: March 15, 1767
Birthplace: Waxhaws, South Carolina
Number of presidency: 7
Party: Democratic-Republican
Term of office: March 4, 1829 to March 3, 1837
Vice President: John C. Calhoun
Wife: Rachel Stockley Donelson
Children: He had none of his own, but acted as the guardian of eight different children
Death Date: June 8, 1845(at age 61)
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
Andrew Jackson did not have many major accomplishments as the 7th president of the United States. But, in the year 1835, Jackson was able to reduce the federal debt to only $33,733.05, which was the lowest it had ever been since it's first year in 1791. However, the accomplishment's excitement didn't last long, since a severe financial downfall from 1837 to 1844 caused the national debt to increase ten-fold. :(
Wacky facts~<3
All the Presidents have some kind of wacky fact, most of the time, it took place while they were president, but our 7th president's wacky fact is an awkward animal situation that took place during his funeral. The wacky fact about President Andrew Jackson was that at his funeral in 1845, his pet parrot had to be removed from the funeral because it was perched on Jackson's coffin while letting out a string of curse words, otherwise known as swearing. Also, Jackson was one of the most sickly presidents. He often suffered from abdominal pains and a hacking cough, which was caused by a bullet lodged in one of his lungs that was never removed, that often would cause blood to come out his mouth.
#8 Martin Van Buren
by MS
"It is easier to do a job than explain why you didn't."
Born: December 5, 1782 in Kinderhook, New York
Death: July 24, 1862 in Kinderhook, New York
Number of presidency: 8
Party: Democrat
Term of office: 1837-1841
Family: Hanna Hoes Van Buren (wife), Abraham, John, Martin, Smith (children)
Major Accomplishments/Incidents During Presidency
Martin Van Buren forced a large number of Native Americans west, causing the Trail of Tears. Also, the Panic of 1837 occurred while Martin Van Buren was in office. Most people blamed him for causing this incident.
Wacky, Interesting and Wacky Events in Life
Martin Van Buren did not have many wacky or silly events in his life. But, one interesting characteristic about him was that he was the first president not born a British subject. Instead, his parents were both Dutch.
#9 William H. Harrison
by MS
"But I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free."
Born: February 9, 1773 in Virginia
Death: April 4, 1841
Number of presidency: 9
Party: Whig
Term of office: March 1841-April 1841
Family: Anna Harrison (wife), 9 children
Major Incident During Presidency
William Harrison, the 9th president of the United States, had the shortest term in American history. In fact, he served for exactly one month. Harrison gave the longest Inaugural Address ever. But, he refused to wear any coat or hat in the cold weather. Later, he got sick with pneomonia. This lead to his death which shortend his term as the 9th president of the United States.
Interesting, Silly, and Wacky Events in Life
In 1813, William Harrison lead an Indian attack against the Tecumesh. This earned him his nickname, "Tippecanoe". Another interesting event that happened in his life is that his father signed the Declaration of Independence when William was young.
“The great primary and controlling interest of the American people is union-union not only in the mere forms of government…but union founded in an attachment of individuals for each other”
#10 John Tyler
by CL
Born: March 29, 1790
Birthplace: Charles City County, Virginia
Number of presidency: 10
Party: Whig
Term of office: April 6, 1841 to March 3, 1845
Vice President: None
Wife(s): Letitia Christian Tyler (first wife) and Julia Gardiner Tyler (second wife)
Children: Mary, Robert, John, Letitia, Elizabeth, Alice, Tazwell, David, John, Julia, Lachlan, Lyon, Robert, Pearl, and a daughter that died young. (15 children)
Death Date: January 18, 1862(at age 71)
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
As you all know, a president is selected by vote. However, John Tyler was not elected by vote. Since the previous president, William Henry Harrison, died only 31 days after his inauguration speech, the vice president, John Tyler was appointed the new president.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
When “His Accidency”, which was our 10th president’s nickname, found out he was the new president of the United States of America, he was playing marbles with his sons. His love for children was what led him to having the most of all the presidents, fifteen! Tyler would throw parties at the White House for his children, grandchildren, and their friends.
#11 James Polk
by VV
Term of Office: 1845 - 1849
Born: November 2, 1795
Died: June 15, 1849
Wife: Sarah Childress Polk
Party: Democratic Party
Quote: "We must ever maintain the principle that the people of this continent alone have the right to decide their own destiny."
Major Accomplishment/ Incident
James Polk was the first American president to govern the country from the east coast to the west! He settled the debate over Oregon's borders with Great Britain. During Polk's term, the US also won the Mexican War in 1848. President James Polk bought Texas, California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona from Mexico.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Facts
A couple of interesting facts about President Polk are clearly amazing. For one thing, he was the FIRST candidate of a party nominated unexpectedly. He also cared nothing about his country's social life. Last, but not least, Polk's wife Sarah, removed all the servants from the White House, and replaced them with newly purchased slaves. How is that for one cool president!
#12 Zachary Taylor
by NS
"My life has been devoted to arms, yet I look upon war at all times and under any circumstances as a national calamity to be avoided if compatible with Nation Honor..."
Birth: November 24, 1784
Birthplace: Barboursville, Virginia
Number of Presidency: 12
Party: Whig
Terms of Office: March 4, 1849-July 9, 1850
Vice President: Millard Fillmore
First Lady: Margaret Mackall Taylor
Children: Sara, Mary, Ann, Octavia, Mary Elizabeth(daughters) Richard Taylor(son)
Major Accomplishment or Major Incidency During Presidency
Zachary Taylor didn't have a lot of major accomplishments in his life. He only defeated the Mexican General Santa Anna with a very small army and became a national hero. He also never lost a battle.
Wacky Fact
Zachary Taylor was a very intersting president. He was really short and when he needed to get onto a horse, he needed to be boosted up. He was also an unusual dresser. He often mixed military and civilian clothes. Taylor also was never voted, never belonged to a political party, and he never took an interest in politics until he was 62.
#13 Millard Fillmore
by MS
"The constitution has made it the duty of the president to take care that the laws be faithfully executed."
Born: January 7, 1800 in New York
Death: March 8, 1874 in New York
Number of Presidency: 13
Party: Whig
Term of Office: 1850-1853
Family: Abigail Powers (wife), Caroline McIntosh (other wife), Millard, Mary (children)
Major Incident or Accomplishments During Presidency
After Zachary Taylor died from Cholora during presidency, Millard Fillmore took his place. During this time, although he was not a bad president, Fillmore did not make any significant changes in history.
Wacky, Silly and Interesting Events in Life
Millard Fillmore had many brothers and sisters, however; his family was poor. He borrowed and sometimes stole books in order to teach himself. Finally he attended school for 6 months when he was older. The teacher, Abigail Powers, was not even two years older than him. Eventually Millard Fillmore married her.
#14 Franklin Peirce
by SN
Born: November 23, 1804
Number of Presidency: 14
Party: Democrat
Term of Office: 1853-1857
Family: 3 children
First Lady: Jane Appleton Peirce
Death: October 8, 1864
Interesting, silly or wacky events in life
His nickname was "Fainting Frank". During the Mexican War, Peirce had a terrible accident which crushed his legs. Since it was so painful, Peirce fainted on the battlefield.
Major accomplishment or major incident during presidency
Peirce was a Brigadier General during the Mexican War. He was the first president to introduce the Christmas tree tradition to the White House.
Quotation: "I believe that involuntary servitude (slavery) as it exists in different states of the Confederacy is recognized by the Constitution."
#15 James Buchanan
by MS
"What is right and what is practicable are two different things"
Born:April 23, 1791
Death:June 1, 1868
Number of presidency: 15
Party:Democrat
Term of office: 1857-1861
Family: None
Major Incidents and Accomplishments During Presidency
James Buchanan failed entirely in his goal to solve the problem about slavery. However, during his presidency Minnesota and Oregon were admitted to the United States as the 32nd and 33rd states.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Events in Life
When James Buchanan was around 30 he fell in love with Ann Caroline Coleman. Unfortunatly, she died only a few days after the engagment. Her family did not let him attend the wedding. From then on, he decided never to have any major relationship with an other woman. This made him the only president not to marry.
#16 Abraham Lincoln
by RS
"If I am killed, I can die but once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again."
-1864
Born: Feb. 12, 1809
Birthplace: Hardin, Kentucky
Party: Republican
Number of Presidency: 16th
Term of Office: (1st term) March 4, 1861 – March 4, 1865 (2nd term) March 4, 1865- April 15, 1865
Vice President: Hannibal Hamlin (1861 - 1865), Andrew Johnson (1865)
First Lady: Mary Lincoln
Wife: Mary Todd
Children: Robert Todd, Edward Baker, William Wallace, Thomas
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Event in Life
There were many interesting and silly events that happened in Lincoln’s lifetime. When Abraham Lincoln was a little boy he almost drowned in Knob’s Creek but was saved by a neighbor boy. Also, Lincoln was afraid of dentists because a dentist broke off part of Lincoln’s jawbone by pulling a tooth. Abe was also colorblind and his footwear had to be custom made. Abraham Lincoln was the first President to be assassinated. He was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865 at the Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. He was watching a play called "Our American Cousin." On November 7, 1876 thieves tried to steal Lincoln's body from his tomb. They wanted to get $200,000 to return the body, but they failed.
Major Accomplishment/Incident during Presidency
Abraham Lincoln accomplished many things during his presidency. He lead the United States in the Civil War, from 1861-1865. He wrote the Emancipation Proclamation saying “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free." Lincoln also wrote the famous Gettysburg Address. Lincoln stated in his speech: "...we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” He accomplished many things that changed this nation.
#17 Andrew Johnson
By: MR
"If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrat at the other, all would well with the country."
Born: December 29, 1808
Birthplace:Raleigh, North Carolina
Number of Presidency: 17th
Party: Democratic
Term of Office: April 15, 1865-March 3, 1869
FIrst Lady: Martha Johnson Patterson(daughter)
DIed: July 31,1875
Major Accomplishments!
Andrew Johnson did not have very many major accomplishments, although the biggest state in the U.S.A, Alaska was bought from Russia for $.02 per acre! 2 cents per acre that sounds so less! But Alaska was so big that it added up to alot more than you can imagine.
Wacky Facts!
Andrew Johnson was acually the first president to be visited by a queen. Queen Emma of the Sandwich Islands of Hawaii came to visit him. The reason that he became president is because he was Abraham Lincoln's vice president. After he got shot at the movies Andrew Johnson took him place. Another fact would be that he acually did not go to school. He learned to read, write and do math at the age of 18. Andrew's wife taught him how to all these things. But when Andrew Johnson was moving to the white house he couldn't bring his wife because she was an invalid. Instead he married his daughter.
#18 Ulysses S. Grant
by:RS
"Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor."
Born:April 27,1822
Birthplace:Point Pleasant, Ohio
Party:Republican
Number of Presidency:18th
Term of Office:March 4,1869-March 4 1877
Vice President:Schuyler Colfax and Henry Wilson
First Lady:Julia Grant
Wife:Julia Dent
Children:4 children;Fred, Ulysses Jr., Ellen, Nellie
Interesting, Silly,or Wacky Event in Life
Grant did a couple silly things in his lifetime that will be remembered to this day. When he was young he nearly drowned while fishing with his friend. Luckily, he was saved by his friend before it was to late. Grant also set a high jump record that lasted 25 years! Before a battle, a reporter saw him smoking a cigar and he sent him 10,000 cigars and it got him heavily into smoking.
Major Accomplishment/Major Incident During Presidency
Ulysses S. Grant accomplished a lot to make the United States a more fair place for everybody to live in. He supported reconstruction after the Civil War to mend the torn apart nation.Later, he fought to give blacks the right to vote so in 1870 he passed the 15th ammendment saying that everyone has the right to vote.Grant then passed the Civil Rights Act in 1875 to give fair rights to all blacks to stay in the same inns, travel in same transportation, etc. However, this act was not fairly kept and was soon repealed.
#19 Rutherford B. Hayes
by KN
"It is now true that this is God's Country, if equal rights- a fair start and an equal chance in the race of life are everywhere secured to all."
Born: Oct.4.1822
Birthplace: Delaware,Ohio
Number of Presidency: 19th
Party: Republican
Term of Office: Mar.4.1877-Mar.4.1881
First Lady: Lucy Ware Webb Hayes
Children: Birchard, James, Rutherford Jr., Fanny( including three that died before they were two years old)
Died: Jan.17.1893
Major Accomplishment/ Major Incident During Presidency
Our 19th President, Rutherford B. Hayes was major general in the Civil War, governor of Ohio for three terms and had controversial presidential election. During the running up for president, Hayes and Samuel Tilden had a very close race. The final election was probably one of the most disputed elections in presidential history. In the end, Tilden won the popular vote, but Hayes was chosen to be president by the Electoral Commission.
Interesting, Silly, Wacky Event in Life
When Hayes was president, his term held a couple firsts. In fact Hayes was the very first president to use the telephone in the White House. He was also the first president to hold the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House.
#20 James Garfield
By: MR
"The elevation of the Negro race from slavery to the full rights of citizenship is the most importanat political change we have known since the adoption of the constitution."
Born: November 19, 1831
Birthplace: Orange, Ohio
Number of presidency: 20
Party: Republican
Term of office: March 4, 1881~ Sept 19, 1881
Vice president: Chester A. Arthur
Family~
First Lady: Lucretia Rudolph Garfield (wife)
Kids: Harry, James, Mary, Irvin, Abram, plus a son and a daughter died young
Died: Sept. 19, 1881
Major Accomplishments!
Although he was not president for a very long time, he had a major accomplishment. He was the first president who campained in 2 languages. The two languages are German and English! But besides these 2 languages he knew many more.
Wacky Facts>.<;
President Garfield was acually a few firsts. He was the fist left handed president! Also, of all the presidents so far, he came from the poorest family. He was a great presdient, but he got shot by Charles Julius Guiteau because he couldn't get an appointment in Garfield's office. The bullet led to blood poisoning and he died after 10 weeks.
#21 Chester Arthur
by SN
Born: October 5, 1829
Number of Presidency: 21
Party: Republican
Term of Office: 1881-1885
Family: 3 children
First Lady: Mary Aurthur McElroy
Died: November 18, 1886
Interesting, silly, or wacky events in life
Chester Aurhtur had over 80 pairs of pants and fishing was his favorite activity. He also hired a gourmet chef to take charge of the White House kitchen.
Major accomplishment or major incident during presidency
Chester Aurthur was the Quartmaster General of New York. He was also the Vice President under James Madison. Chester Aurthur was also the first president to hire a valet.
Quatation: "No higher or more, assuring proof could exist of the strength and permanence of popular government than the fact that though the chosen of the people be struck down, his constitutional successor is peacefully installed without sock or strain..."
#22 and 24 Grover Cleveland
by HL
"What is the use of being elected or re-elected unless you stand for something?"
Term of Office: 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897
Party: Democrat
Vice President: Thomas Hendricks(22) and Adlai E. Stevenson(24)
Born: 1837
Died: 1908
Wife: Frances Folsom
Children: four daughters and one son
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
One major accomplishment by Grover Cleveland is that Grover Cleveland stopped the battle with the Apache Native Americans.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
Grover Cleveland is the only president to serve to inconsecutive terms. At the end of his first term, his wife, Frances Folsom, told the White House staff that they would like the White House the way it was when they returned. Suprisingly, Frances Folsom was correct, they did return after 4 years. Another interesting event is that Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth, had a candy bar named after her. The candy bar was called Baby Ruth.
#23 Benjamin Harrison
by CL
"I believe also in the American opportunity which puts the starry sky above every boy's head, and sets his foot upon a ladder which he may climb until his strength gives out."
Born: August 20, 1833
Birthplace: North Bend, Ohio
Number of Presidency: 23
Party: Republican
Term of Office: March 4,1889 to March 3,1908
Vice president: Levi Parsons Morton
Wife: Caroline Lavinia Scott and Mary Scott Lord Dimmick Harrison
Children: Russel, Mary, Elizabeth
Death Date: March 13, 1901(at age 67)
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
President Harrison was the first president to have been in the White House with electric lights installed. Before his term, there had only been candles and gas powered lights. They say, that the president and first lady was so scared of the lights that they didn't turn the lights on for a week in fear of electric shock.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Stories
Our 23rd president had 2 different nicknames.One was "the human iceberg". He was called that because he was always stiff and formal when he mat a stranger, but warmed toward you once he gets to know you. The other nickname is "Little Ben". He was only five and a half feet tall when he ran for president, he said "Grandfather's hat fits!" He was one of that forty-eight grand and great-grandchildren of the ninth president William Henry Harrison.
by VV
Term of Office: 1897 - 1899
Party: Republican
Born: January 29, 1843
Died: September 14, 1901
Wife: Ida Saxton
Children: Katie McKinley and Ida McKinley ( sadly both died at young age )
Quote: "We want no war of conquest... War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed."
Major Accomplishment / Incident During Presidency
One major incident that occurred during President McKinley's reign was the Spanish-American War. On April 25, 1898, President McKinley declared war with Spain because Spain was blamed for causing the sinking of USS Maine and killing over 200 people! Soon, the United States won the war. On December 14, 1898, both the countries signed a treaty, or peace document in Paris.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Facts
Many people have heard many stories about President William McKinley that may be or may not be true. One such fact is that President William McKinley had a pet parrot who could whistle to the tune of Yankee Doodle! Also, he gave a pink carnation (McKinley's trademark) to all his friends as a gift of love. These silly stories sure are true, believe it or not!
#26 Theodore Roosevelt
By: MR
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Born: Oct. 27.1858
Birthplace: New York, New York
Number of presidency: 26
Party:Republican
Term of ofiice: September 14, 1901 ~ March 3, 1909
Vice president: Charlke W. Fiarbanks
Family~
First Lady:Edith Carow Roosevelt(wife)
Died: Jan. 6 1919 ='(
Major acoomplishments =]
Teddy Roosevelt was a well known president. He was the first person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He won this award because he was an environmentalist, the FIRST president to be one. He saved over 230 million acres for National Forests, parks and refuges. He also established the National Wildlife refuge program.
Wacky Facts!
Theodore may be a president but every president has done funny, follish, and good things! Before Teddy became the President he was in a boxing match. In this match he suffered a detached retina, so he couldn't see with that eye. Teddy was also the vice president for Mc Kinley. Even though he was the first enviormentalist president when he lost his election 1912, he killed over 3,000 animals. These animals include elephants, hippos, lions and rhinos.
#27 William Howard Taft
by SN
Born: September 15, 1857
Number of Presidency: 27
Pary: Republican
Term of Office: 1906-1913
Family: 2 children
First Lady: Helen Nellie Herron
Died: March 8, 1930
Interesting, silly, or wacky events in life
William Howard Taft was a unique president. One time he got stuck in his own bathtub. Six men had to pull him out. William Howard Taft was also the largest president, weighing over 300 pounds. At the Mission Inn, in Riverside, California, they have a specialized chair for William Howard Taft because he was so big.
Major accomplishment or major incident during presidency
President Taft once supervised construction of the Panama Canal. He also opened a baseball season by throwing the first pitch. One more major accomplishment was that he was the Cheif Justice of the Supreme Court.
Quatation: "We live in a stage of politics, where legislators seem to regard the passage of laws as much more important than the results of their enforcement".
#28 Woodrow Wilson
by JC
"The world must be safe for democracy."
Term of Office: 1913 to 1921
Party: Democrat
Born: December 28, 1856 in Stanton Virginia
Died: February 3, 1924 in Washington D.C
Wife: First Ellen Wilson then Edith Wilson
Children: Margaret Woodrow, Jessie Woodrow, and Eleanor Randolph
Major Accomplishment or Incedent During Presidency
Woodrow Wilson was not a fan of war at all so this was a bad time for him to become our nation's 28th president. During his presidency the dreaded World War I was happening. Since the war was so intence Woodrow became stressful and ill. He almost died. He also suffered stroke. During his time of illness Edith Wilson had been taking care of the work. People did not like this because they felt she was doing all the work and running the country alone.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Events in Life
Woodrow Wilson as a kid dreamed of becoming a stage preformer. He was a peaceful man with no intention to fight over something not needed to fight for. He also hated war a lot. He liked to swim, golf, and to take walks. He had a pet sheep that lived on the white house lawn.
#29 Warren Harding
by VV
Term of Office: 1921 - 1923
Born: November 2, 1865
Died: August 2, 1923
Wife: Florence Kling De Wolfe Harding
Children: Eugene Harding
Party: Republican Party
Quote: "Our most dangerous tendency is to expec too much of government, and at the same time do it for too little."
Major Accomplishment/ Incident During Presidency
One major incident during Harding's presidency was the Teapot Dome Scandal. The President's secretary, Albert B. Fall, led the entire White House Community to one of the biggest and worst problems in history. Teapot Dome was a government land in Wyoming. Mr. Fall let companies drill for oil on the land. Edwin Denby, who worked in Teapot Dome, signed the final documents. Both men were bribed by the companies and had to go to jail. This event sure was important in history.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Facts
Although all of the presidents have silly and crazy facts about them, President Harding probably did the wackiest actions. He lost all the White House China in a game of cards. Also, Harding served alcohol to his friends even though the law stated it illegal. One interesting fact about him is that he was the FIRST president who was voted by men AND WOMEN.
#30 Calvin Coolidge
by KN
"Because of what America is and what America has done, a firmer courage, a higher hope, inspires the heart of all humanity."
Born: July.4.1872
Birhtplace: Plymouth, Vermont
Number of Presidency: 30th
Party: Republican
Term of Office: Aug.2.1923~Mar.4.1929
First Lady: Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge
Children: John, Calvin Jr.
Died: Jan.5.1933
Interesting, Silly, Wacky Event in Life
There are a few facts that are interesting about Calvin Coolidge. Even though Calvin Coolidge was a quiet and thoughtful man, he used the newly invented radio, to give press conferences. In fact, he met more regularly with reporters, (529 press conferences), than any other President before and since. Calvin also had a hobby of smoking elegant expensive Cuban Cigars. Since Calvin had stomach pains he also required 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night and a daily afternoon nap.
Mojor Accomplishment/ Major Incodent During Presidency
Calvin Coolidge was a man of great accomplishments during his presidency. Coolidge was president right in between the two world wars just before the time of the great depression. Calvin Coolidge cut taxes that were raised during World War I. He also signed a law that gave Native Americans full U.S. citizenship in 1924.
#31 Herbert Hoover
by NS
"Prosperity cannot be restored by raids upon the public treasury."
Born: August 10, 1874
Birthplace: West Branch, Iowa
Number of Presidency: 31
Party: Republican
Term of Office: March 4, 1929-March 3, 1933
Vice President: Charles Curtis
First Lady: Lou Henry Hoover
Children: Allan Hoover, Herbert Hoover Jr.(sons)
Died: October 20, 1964.
Major Accomplishment or Major Incidency During Presidency
Herbert Hoover was a well known president and did a lot of major accomplishments during presidency. Hoover raised 1 billion dollars for food and medicine to aid Europe after World War I. He also received over 50 honorary degrees from American Universities and over 25 honorary degrees from foreign universities.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Events
Herbert Hoover was a very interesting president. One time he traveled the world with his wife and when they landed in Australia and China, they discovered gold. Also, Herbert Hoover sometimes spoke Chinese with the first lady so no one could avoid overhearing them. Herbert Hoover was also a millionare by age 40 becasue he worked at high paying jobs such as a silver mine.
#32 Franklin Delano Roosevelt
by HL
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Term of Office: 1933 to 1945
Party: Democrat
Vice President: John Garner, Henry Wallace, and Harry Truman
Born: January 30, 1882
Died: April 12, 1945
Wife: Anna Eleanor Roosevelt
Children: one daughter and five sons
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
President Franklin Roosevelt was president during the time when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Nine ships sunk and twenty-one were damaged really badly. This was the incident that made the United States join World War Two. Franklin Roosevelt also had accomplishments. One accomplishment was the “New Deal.” The “New Deal” gave relief to the unemployed Americans in the Great Depression.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
President Franklin Roosevelt is the only president to serve more than two terms. He was one of America’s favorite presidents, so he got elected four terms in a row. Franklin Roosevelt then died during his fourth term in office.
#33 Harry Truman
by: RS
“The buck stops here.”
Born: May 8, 1884
Birthplace: Lamar, Missouri
Party: Republican
Number of presidency: 33rd
Term of Office: April 12, 1945-Jan.20, 1953
Vice President: Alben W. Barkley
First Lady: Bess Truman
Wife: Bess Truman
Children: 1 child, Mary Margaret
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Event in Life
Harry S. Truman was a president that seemed to be the first at everything. He was the 1st president to be born in Missouri and to travel underwater in a submarine. Truman was also the first president to give a speech on T.V. One day Truman walked into his office and saw that the eagle head on the rug was facing the wrong way so he demanded that the whole rug be re-stitched. On top of all that, Harry S. Truman had a pet goat named Dewey’s Goat!
Major Accomplishment/Major Incident during Presidency
Harry S. Truman accomplished a lot for the United States when he was president by helping the U.S go through the tragedies of World War 2.He hired scientists to build the atom bomb and when it was complete he dropped 2 atom bombs on Japan. This ended World War 2 because the Japanese surrendered. Truman also helped the nation recover from the World War 1 crisis. He put the country back together for 2 big wars and succeeded. He also helped form the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Harry S. Truman was one of the nations most greatest presidents of his time.
#34 Dwight D. Eisenhower
by NS
"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight-it's the size of the fight in the dog."
Born: October 14, 1890
Birthplace: Denison, Texas
Number of Presidency: 34
Party: Republican
Terms of Office: January 20, 1953-January 20, 1961
Vice President: Richard Nixon
First Lady: Mary Geneva Doud
Children: Doud Dwight Eisenhower John Sheldon David Eisenhower(sons)
Died: March 28, 1969.
Major Accomplishment or Major Incident During presidency
Dwight D. Eisenhower did a couple of major accomplishments while he was president. Eisenhower built the St.Lawrence Seaway since he was in partnership with Canada. He also ended the Korean War by negotiating a cease-fire which is when Korea was divided at 38th parallel.
Wacky Fact
After Dwight D. Eisenhower retired, he enjoyed painting. He didn't just paint picutes by himself, he enjoyed painting by numbers. He also banished the squirrels from the White House Ground because they were destroying the White House ground.
#35 John F. Kennedy
by SN
Born: May 29, 1917
Number of Presidency: 35
Pary: Democrat
Term of Office: 1961-1963
Family: 3 children
First Lady: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy
Died:November 22, 1963
Interesting, silly, or wacky events in life
President John F. Kennedy was the youngest man ever elected at age 43. He was also the first president born in the 20th centery. The huge Kennedy family was known for playing touch football on top of the White House. President Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald.
Major accomplishment or major incident during presidency
John F. Kennedy founded the Peace Corp. He also won the Pulitzer Prize. One more major accmplishment in his life was the he was a member of the United States Senate.
Quotation: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your cuontry can do for you-ask what you can do for your country".
#36 Lyndon B. Johnson
by JC
"No words are sad enough to express our sence of loss. No words are strong enough to express our determination to continue the forward thrust of America that he began." (About assasination of John F. Kennedy)
Term of Office: 1963 to 1969
Party: Democrat
Born: August 27, 1908 near Stonewall Texas
Died: January 22, 1973 Johnson City Texas
Wife: Claudia Johnson
Children: Lynda and Luci
Major Accomplishment or Incedent During Presidency
Lyndon Baines Johnson had a tough entry into his six years of presidency. John F. Kennedy had been shot and killed. To make matters worse, it was during the Vietnam War. People thought Lyndon didn't do a good job, but for his condition he didn't do bad.
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Events in Life
Lyndon's favorite foods were ice cream, sea food, pancakes, spinach souffle, and sweet potatoes with toasted marshmellows. He liked to fish and hunt. He had two dogs for pets. The beagles names were Him and Her. As you would have guessed Him was a male and Her was a female. He used to be a rancher and a teacher.
#37 Richard Nixon
by KN
"A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits."
Born: Jan.9.1913
Birhtplace: Yorba Linda, California
Number of Presidency: 37th
Party: Republican
Term of Office: Jan.20.1969~Aug.9.1974
First Lady: Thelma Cathrine Ryan Nixon
Children: Patricia, Julie
Died: Apr.22.1994
Interesting, Silly, Wacky Event in Life
Richard Nixon had an eventful 5 year presidential term. Nixon took office in 1969 and was re-elected in 1973 after winning by a landslide. But in 1974, due to the Watergate scandal, Nixon resigned. He was the first and only President to do so. Nixon resigned because he faced impeachment. Gerald Ford, who replaced Nixon and became President, pardoned Nixon and saved him from criminal charges.
Major Accomplishment/ Major Incident During Presidency
Richard Nixon accomplished many things, but two of his greatest accomplishments were very important. Nixon put an end to the Vietnam War with the withdrawal of almost all the U.S. troops. Another one of Nixon’s famous accomplishments was when he traveled to China during his presidency. He traveled to China to try to better the relationship that the U.S. had with China. So far, he is the only president to have visited all of the 50 states.
#38 Gerald Ford
by VV
Term of Office: 1974 - 1977
Born: July 14, 19
Died: December 26, 2006
Party: Republican Party
Wife: Elizabeth Bloomer Ford
Children: Steve, Susan, Michael, and Jack
Quote: "If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have."
Major Accomplishment/ Incident During Presidency
One very major incident that lasted during part of Gerald Ford’s presidency was the Vietnam War. This war lasted from 1959 to 1975. The U.S. was sending citizens and soldiers to fight in the war. However, some citizens did not want to fight in the war, so, they left the country. Eventually, Ford pulled the very last troops out of Vietnam signaling the end of the war. This was one long and critical battle between to great countries!
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Facts
Three interesting facts about Gerald Ford are about to be revealed! Gerald Ford was the only president who was ever a male model. In his high school years, Ford was a popular football player, and won a contest just because of his popularity. Last but not least, President Ford was not elected president by votes. When Spiro Agnews, vice president during Nixon’s terms, resigned, Nixon chose Ford to replace Spiro. Later, when President Nixon resigned, Gerald Ford was next in line for president. Looks like popularity has sure been lucky for Gerald Ford!
#39 Jimmy Carter
by CL
"If I ever tell a lie, I want you to come and take me out of the White House"
Born: October 1, 1924
Birthplace: Planes, Georgia
Number of presidency: 39
Party: Democrat
Term of office: January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981
Vice president: Walter Frederick and Mondale
Wife: Rosalynn Smith Carter
Children: John, James, Donnel, Amy
Death Date: None (is still alive)
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
President Carter's family helped the president improve America by offering their thoughts, outlooks and ideas to him. One of his children even suggested that he should make the lunches at his public school better tasting!
Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Stories
President Carter thought presidents should not be treated differently from other people. So he sold the presidential yacht and limousines. He also told his body guards to stop opening doors for him, and that he would open them himself, and even carried his own luggage. He got bands to stop playing "Hail to the Chief" during his public entrances and stayed at private homes while he traveled. He believed that he should be the same as everyone else so much that he even convinced people to call him Jimmy, not James Earl Carter Jr.
#40 Ronald Reagan
by: RS
"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty."
Born:Feb.6,1911
Birthplace: Tamico, Illinois
Party:Republican
Number of Presidency:40th
Term of Office:Jan.20,1981-Jan.20,1989
Vice President:George H. W. Bush
First Lady:Nancy Davis
Wife: Jane Wyman though they had a divorce, then Nancy Davis
Children:Maureen and Christine, Christine died after birth ,then adopted Michael, with Nancy they had Ron and Patti
Major Accomplishment/Major Incident during Presidency
Reagan accomplished many things to successfully make the United States a more better and safe environment for us citizens to live in. He put a peaceful end to the Cold War and he made a more efficient economy. Ronald Reagan also declared militant policies and promised to fight for drug-free schools. Reagan expanded drug treatment and made stronger law enforcement. He did many things to make the U.S a better place to live in.
****Interesting, Silly, or Wacky Stories
Ronald was the governor of California for a full term before he was president. He also was a World War 2 officer. Being the longest living president ever he kept jars of jellybeans in his office. He was a life guard earlier in his life and whenever he saved somebody’s life he put a notch on a log and at the end of his career he had 77 notches!
#41 George H. Bush
by KN
“America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.”
Born: June.12.1924
Birthplace: Milton, Massachusetts
Number of Presidency: 41st
Party: Republican
Term of Office: Jan.20.1989~Jan.20.1993
First Lady: Barbra Peirce Bush
Children: George, John Ellis (Jeb), Neil, Dorothy ( including Robin who died at three years old)
Died: Still Alive
Interesting, Silly, Wacky Event in Life
George Bush was our 41st president and was a World War II hero. As a pilot, George Bush fought in 58 missions and never was shot down. But after the war he went to Yale University and ended up being the captain for the baseball team two years in a row.
Major Accomplishment/ Major Incident During Presidency
President George Herbert Walker Bush accomplished some major things for our country. One of the most important one is when he traveled to Russia. He went there to improve the relations with the Soviet Union. Bush also traveled to the African National Congress for the same reason of advancing relationships.
#42 William Clinton
by NS
"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. Its's how you handle adversity not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit!"
Birth: August 19, 1946
Birthplace: Hope, Arkansas
Number of Presidency: 42
Party: Democratic
Terms of Office: January 20,1993-January 20,2001
Vice President: Albert Gore Jr.
First Lady: Hilary Rodham Clinton
Kids: Chelsea Clinton(daughter)
Died: Still Alive
Major Accomplishment or major incident during presidency
While Bill Clinton was president, he did a ton of major accomplishments in his life. One major accomplishment was he led U.S. allies in forcing Serbia to stop attacking Muslims. Another major accomplishment was he exceeded the biggest budget deficit in history. The major accomplishment that Bill Clinton did was he created the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Interesting, silly, or wacky events in life
Before Bill Clinton was president, he played the saxophone. He actually played the saxophone on national TV in 1992. A lot of people thought he would be a professional musician. Also, when Bill Clinton was little, he started collecting books about the different presidents as a kid. Bill Clinton also had a nickname "Slick Willy". They called him that because he changed his mind on a lot of issues.
#43 George W. Bush
by Mrs. Lowe (sample)
"I was not elected to serve one party, but to serve one nation."
Term of Office: 2001-present
Party: Republican
Born: July 6, 1946
Wife: Laura Welch Bush
Children: Jenna and Barbara (twins)
Major Accomplishment/Incident During Presidency
During his presidency, George W. Bush has had the highest and the lowest approval ratings of any other President. President Bush's approval ratings were the highest after he rallied Americans to fight terrorism following the September 11th, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. His decision to send troops to Iraq in 2003 to overthrow that government has been sharply criticized and is one of the issues that has lowered his approval ratings to the lowest of any President. His popularity has always had highs and lows. President Bush is only one of four Presidents who actually lost the popular vote but was elected as President by the electoral college. In fact, when the 2000 election was scrutinized, the election outcome was appealed to the United States Supreme Court. It was the Supreme Court who ultimately decided that George W. Bush was the 43rd President. However, during his second run for President, he won 50.7% of the popular vote which gave him more votes than any other presidential candidate in United States history had received.
Interesting, Silly or Wacky Stories
George W. Bush did not always want to be President. When he was younger, he wanted to be a major league baseball player. His love of baseball is responsible for one of his greatest collections-250 autographed baseballs. In addition to playing baseball as a youth, he lived on a ranch in Texas. He actually has a pet longhorn cow named Ofelia. Like many sons, President Bush followed in his father's footsteps. His father, George H. W. Bush, was the 41st President of the United States.
President Fact Scavenger Hunt
1. Who was the first President to govern from coast to coast?
2. Which President had a pet parrot that could whistle to the tune "Yankee Doodle"?
3. Who was the President who lost all the White House china in a game of cards?
4. Who was the only President to be a male model?
5. Which president had a nickname "Slick Willy"
6. Which president sometimes spoke Chinese with the first lady?
7. Which president enjoyed painting numbers after retiring?
8. Which president often mixed civilian and military clothes?
9. Which was the only president to serve two terms that were not in a row?
10. Who was the president that served more than two terms?
11. Which president authorized the Lewis and Clark expedition?
12. A parrot was swearing on which president's coffin?
13. John Tyler was doing what when he found out he was president?
14. Which president was afraid of the electric lights installed in the White House?
15. Which president thought the people should be treated so much, he started to carry his own luggage, open doors by himself, and many more?
16.Who was first president to live in the white house?
17.Which president had silkworms and a pet alligator for pets?
18.Which president dreamed of being a stage performer as a kid?
19.Which president had two beagles named Him and Her?
20. How long was William Harrison's term?
21. Who was the first president not born a British subject?
22. Who took place of president Zachary Taylor after he died from Cholera?
23. Why did James Buchanan marry any woman?
24. Who was the shortest president?
25. Which president had a detached retina?
26. How many terms did Calvin Coolidge serve?
27. What sport was George H. W. Bush the team captain of?
Bibliography
"Abraham Lincoln." Wikipedia. 8 Jun 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln>.
Bausum, Ann. Our Country's Presidents. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2001.
Burke, Melissa Blackwell and Sharp, Katie John. Presidents-Profiles in Courage of the Men Who Have Led OUr Nation. Lincolnwood: Publications International, Ltd., 2007.
Davis, Kenneth C. Don't Know Much About the Presidents. New York: Scholastic, 2002
"Gerald Ford". <http://www.chinafoundation1.org/images/GeraldFord.jpg>. June 5 2008.
"George W. Bush." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. May 27, 2008. <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_W._Bush&oldid=215183229> May 27, 2008.
Fuqua, Nell. U.S. Presidents Feats and Foul-Ups. New York: Tangerine Press, 2003.
"James Polk". <http://www.sonofthesouth.net/mexican-war/polk/james-polk-tn.jpg>. June 5 2008
Schraff, Anne E. Beyond the Cherry Tree Stories of the Presidents. Portland: J. Weston Walch, 1996.
"The White House." The White House. June 5, 2008. . 6 June, 2008. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/>.
"Warren Harding".
<http://www.deepspace4.com/pages/prophecy/uspresident/images/harding.jpg>. June 5 2008
" William McKinley". <http://www.nndb.com/people/431/000026353/McKinley.jpg>.June 5 2008
Comments (2)
Anonymous said
at 8:24 am on Jun 1, 2008
Good morning 5th graders! Remember that completion date for this project is June 6. Don't forget to do a final edit of your work to check for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes. I'll help you with the wiki formatting if you need help. See you at the pool party on Monday.
Valley of Wind said
at 7:46 pm on Dec 7, 2010
what happened to Obama?
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