AmeriCANS Who Made America ‐ 19th Century: Growth, Division, and Reunification

Frederick Douglass

Clara Barton

Davy Crockett

From the first profile, your AmeriCAN-do spirit will inspire your increased success and contributions to our magnificent country! This volume continues celebrating timeless AmeriCAN-do values and principles that are as valid today as ever.

These AmeriCAN men and women of the 19th century honored the gift of liberty bestowed by the Founders and preserved, perpetuated, and expanded those freedoms for we who have followed them. Young adults and up will cheer these AmeriCANS' success and realize increased pride in our country and future.

Readers will learn of ordinary people with the AmeriCAN-do spirit that left us the gift of this uniquely prosperous country. Their stories and examples of overcoming adversities and the Civil War will encourage and inspire you to repay their favor and pass it along to our descendants.

AmeriCANS Who Made America! 19 Century

Abraham Lincoln

AmeriCANS Who Made America!

19th Century – Growth, Division, and Reunification

“By telling the stories you know, the stories you thought you knew, and the stories you may never have heard, Richard V. Battle defines American Exceptionalism; not through government or documents but by the everyday people who chose to do exceptional things.”

—TIM TAPP, Host of Tapp into the Truth Richard V. Battle

RICHARD V. BATTLE is the multi-award-winning author of thirteen books, including the AmeriCANS Who Made America series, and has been a public speaker on leadership, motivation, faith, sales, and volunteerism for over 30 years. He is an experienced corporate executive and non-profit leader who serves organizations in an advisory role.

Richard V. Battle

“AmeriCANS Who Made America: 19th Century – Growth, Division, and Reunification can serve as a primer for any course in Civics, American History, or Entrepreneurship. As an ex-teacher, I appreciate the book’s assistance as a resource for creating lesson plans and further study.

I especially like the choice of the AmeriCANS as examples of the virtuous efforts that have contributed to this great land of ours. The fact that they may not all be household names exemplifies the opportunities that have been and still are available to anyone who aspires to them.”

—Jerry Nugent, JD, former Austin Community College and Austin Independent School district board member and retired teacher “Wow, that is all I can say. Sir Francis Scott Key had a never-quit drive. He knew his efforts would make way for a new nation struggling against an enemy determined to take the new world for the King of England. What he saw and heard from the British Admiral made him even more determined and made his belief even stronger. When the sun arose, and what his eyes beheld said it all. The words of the National Anthem began to form in his heart of hearts. The rest is history.

A piano manufacturer built him a custom piano. Upon this, he wrote The Greatest Words for a Nation as a reminder of the true cost of Freedom. And while this is about Sir Francis, we must not forget all the others written in this book’s pages. It’s upon the shoulders of all of them that made this Nation what it is today. And while you are at it, get the book of the Eighteenth-Century heroes that made America great.”

—Respectfully, Hartley Eugene Key “By telling the stories you know, the stories you thought you knew, and the stories you may never have heard, Richard V. Battle defines American Exceptionalism; not through government or documents but by the everyday people who chose to do exceptional things.”

—Tim Tapp Host of Tapp into the Truth

“Richard Battle is a successful businessman and a prolific author.

With each book, he shares the wisdom and insight God has given him as he has navigated life. The result is that he writes with a heart as big as Texas!

In the AmeriCANS series, Richard Battle shares the stories of visionaries whose hearts were devoted to finishing the task given them by their faith in God, their belief in human nature, and their desire to see America grow into the finest nation on earth. Rather than a weighty tome full of dates and statistics, AmeriCANS Who Made America! 19th Century – Growth, Division, and Reunification highlights the achievements of forty American pioneers, leaders, and innovators from the 1800’s who changed this nation. The result is an uplifting afternoon read in your comfy lounge chair, or a stellar family read around the dinner table. Best of all, Richard Battle includes numerous quotes from the leaders themselves. These quotes are both learning tools and great fodder to ensure lively conversations around that table.

Examples: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” by Frederick Douglas.

“Duty is ours, results are God’s,” by John Quincy Adams.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time,” by Thomas Edison.

—Marlene S. McMichael, Co-host, Love Talk Network “Throughout the unmatched history of our nation, our timeline includes countless personal stories and experiences you can find nowhere else in the world. Richard does an incredible job sharing easyto-read insight detailing stories of individuals, their significance, and the sacrifice surrounding the players who dedicated their lives to creating a perfect union. Whether it be exploring the uncharted lands of the Wild West or the innovators who helped shape our economy and marketplace, it is vital to our future that we share these incredible stories as a guide to inspire and motivate our generations to come. It would serve our future leaders to study and learn from those who have come before us as a reminder that we can achieve greatness for our nation and its people no matter what we look like, where we come from, or the status we hold in our society.”

—Joe Catenacci, Host, Hot Talk Morning Show, WRNN99.5FM Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

AmeriCANS Who Made America!

19th Century - Growth, Division, and Reunification

Richard V. Battle

Headline Books, Inc. Terra Alta, WV

AmeriCANS Who Made America!

19th Century - Growth, Division, and Reunification

by Richard V. Battle copyright ©2025 Richard V. Battle All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books, Inc. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version from www.biblegateway.com. THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

No part of this publication was written by AI. All words other than quotations are those of the author.

To order additional copies of this book or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Books, Inc. P.O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 www.HeadlineBooks.com mybook@headlinebooks.com ISBN 13: 9781958914656 Library of Congress Control Number: 2025934236

P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A

I humbly dedicate this volume to the sons and daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters of the Founders and founding generations.

Their lives relentlessly protected, preserved, and perpetuated the ideals of The Declaration of Independence and Constitution of 1787, fulfilling its closing objective to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” in the 19th century.

They successfully passed their responsibility along with the gifts of liberty, which eventually landed upon our shoulders in the 21st century.

It is now up to us to honor their lives and sacrifice by expanding liberty and ensuring its perpetuation before our lives end.

Also by Richard V. Battle AmeriCANS Who Made America – 18th Century – Birth of The Republic The Unopened Present Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS Life’s Daily Treasure – 366 Doses of Hope, Optimism, Personal Growth, and Encouragement Navigating Life’s Journey – Common Sense in Uncommon Times Conquering Life’s Course – Common Sense in Chaotic Times Unwelcome Opportunity – Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges Surviving Grief by God’s Grace The Master’s Sales Secrets The Four-Letter Word That Builds Character The Volunteer Handbook – How to Organize and Manage A Successful Organization

Table of Contents Preface................................................................................................. 9 About this Book............................................................................... 11 Acknowledgments........................................................................... 13 Cover Photo Story........................................................................... 14 How We Became AmeriCANS and Not AmeriCANTS............. 16 Pioneers.................................................................................. 23 Merriweather Lewis and William Clark..................................... 24 Sacagawea....................................................................................... 29 Kit Carson – Frontiersman/Scout............................................... 32 John C. Fremont............................................................................. 35 Davy Crockett................................................................................ 38 Zebulon Pike – Army/Explorer................................................... 42 Charles Goodnight - Cattleman.................................................. 45 Lew Wallace.................................................................................... 48 Wyatt Earp...................................................................................... 53 Frederick Remington.................................................................... 58 Leaders.................................................................................... 62 President James Monroe............................................................... 63 President John Quincy Adams..................................................... 66 President Andrew Jackson............................................................ 71 Sam Houston.................................................................................. 77 President Abraham Lincoln......................................................... 82 President Ulysses S. Grant............................................................ 88 President Rutherford B. Hayes..................................................... 94 Joshua Chamberlain...................................................................... 99 7

President Theodore Roosevelt ................................................... 103 Joseph Story ................................................................................. 107 Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr........................................................... 111 Ralph Waldo Emerson................................................................ 116 Innovators............................................................................. 120 Francis Bellamy............................................................................ 121 George Washington Carver........................................................ 124 Rebecca Lee Crumpler................................................................ 128 Thomas Edison............................................................................. 131 Francis Scott Key.......................................................................... 136 Theodore Judah and Grenville Dodge...................................... 140 Dwight L. Moody......................................................................... 144 Red Cloud..................................................................................... 148 Frederick Douglas........................................................................ 152 James Naismith............................................................................ 157 John Phillip Sousa........................................................................ 161 Booker T. Washington................................................................. 164 Harriet Tubman........................................................................... 168 Mark Twain................................................................................... 172 Madam C. J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove).................................... 179 John D. Rockefeller...................................................................... 182 Richard W. Sears.......................................................................... 187 Levi Strauss................................................................................... 191 A Note from the Author............................................................... 194 Bibliography................................................................................... 196 Index............................................................................................... 198 About the Author.......................................................................... 202 Richard V. Battle Books................................................................ 204

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Preface A common denominator throughout American history is the AmeriCAN-do spirit originating with the pilgrims and settlers in the early 1600s, building through the 20th century, and continuing, although threatened, in the 21st century.

This volume and its companions in the AmeriCANS who Made America series celebrate the AmeriCAN-do spirit through imperfect but beneficial examples from varied walks of life whose lives deserve recognition and honor, inspiring our efforts to live our best lives.

They demonstrated it’s not your gender, race, or location in the United States you live in that dictates your impact on the present and influence the future.

Still, every day blesses us with opportunities to improve ourselves, pursue our dreams, and leave our country better than we inherited it for those who follow us.

As before and after, America was and is still imperfect. It is also the freest country in history thanks to those who risked their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor,” declaring independence and fighting for eight years to create our country. In the Preamble to the Constitution, they recognized that their, and our, ongoing responsibility as citizens is “To form a more perfect union.”

That goal is impossible, but our priority in striving for it will continually improve our beloved country and repay the favor our ancestors gave us.

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As you can imagine, this volume and series can only cite a minuscule fraction of the innumerable people who walked before us. I hope you will complete your reading with a newfound sense of love of country, appreciation of the gift we have received, and a responsibility to use our time to honor the sacrifices of our predecessors.

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About this Book “At the beginning of the 19th century, we abandoned tradition, it’s at that point I intend to renew it because the present is built on the past just as the past was built on the times that went before it.”

– Adolph Loos, architect, and theorist The 19th century in America saw expansion fulfilling manifest destiny, division and civil war, reconstruction and reunification, and innovation preparing for the American century to follow. *** It is a wonder, and I believe only by the Providence of God, that the thirteen colonies banded together sufficiently to win the eight-year war against the superpower of the 18th century and secure independence.

As dawn broke on the 19th century, strands in that binding were fraying under the pressure of regional interests.

Contentious elections in 1800 and 1824 added to the division.

Disagreements against admitting new states allowing slavery further separated citizens despite compromise legislation.

Political parties fell and sprang up to voice the people’s beliefs.

Finally, only a war destined to see 600,000 soldiers fall in combat settled the issue legally.

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Reunification in law occurred within a little more than a decade. Spiritually, it took decades for America to heal, and some argue it never has and never will.

In fact, the people of Vicksburg, Mississippi, so despised the surrender forced upon them did not celebrate Independence Day until 1944, in the depth of World War II. *** Though the Civil War broke out in 1861, divisions pre-dated the Revolutionary War and the birth of The Republic. Divisions grew until only war would decide the issue.

The reunification of the United States and its expansion demonstrated that we can heal the differences we believe are so great today.

Honorable and principled leadership brought people together, agreeing that the positive traits of America were more important than individual issues and differences.

When leaders put our country ahead of party and self, individuals prosper, proving individual liberty and economic freedom, encouraging the AmeriCAN-do spirit celebrated in the men and women profiled in this volume.

As the Founders recognized, there is no end to “forming a more perfect union” as enumerated in The Constitution, which is the responsibility of all we AmeriCANS in every generation.

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Acknowledgments I like the term “repay the favor” better than “pay it forward” because I believe it more comprehensively covers all who came before us and made and gifted us the most wonderful country in history. I’m grateful for our forebears and hope to contribute my share in protecting, preserving, and perpetuating that gift for future generations.

My daughter Elizabeth and any future children she may have are the prime audience of my efforts, and I cherish her love and support.

I’m blessed to have Logan Cummings as my mentor. His willingness to share his West Texas, Texas Tech basketball, and pastoral experience provides down-to-earth feedback and thoughts that add value to my mission.

Thank you to Burke Allen, Shaili Priya, and the Allen Media Strategies team, who represent me professionally but have also become great friends and cheerleaders of my work. Your advice and counsel are invaluable.

Thank you, Cathy Teets and your team at Headline Books, for your faith in me and this project. Your expertise and contributions to this work are essential to its impact and success.

Thank you, Alane Pearce, for your invaluable contributions and editing prowess in helping me communicate my message more effectively.

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Cover Photo Story

Dodge at right center shaking hands with Samuel S. Montague at the Golden Spike Ceremony. Photograph

by Andrew J. Russell.

Building the transcontinental railroad was a dream for Theodore Judah, who persuaded its importance to Abraham Lincoln, who pushed the Pacific Railroad Act in 1862 and encouraged its building but never saw its completion.

Two companies, one beginning in the West and the other in the Midwest, were paid in land and currency for each mile of track laid, creating a ferocious race to see who could lay the most miles of the railroad.

On May 10, 1869, the Union Pacific from Omaha and Central Pacific from Sacramento met in Promontory Summit, Utah, driving a “golden spike” to celebrate the completion of the project. Still, the celebratory photo represented so much more.

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*** Completing the transcontinental railroad demonstrated the AmeriCAN-do spirit in achieving ambitious goals and illustrated several other symbols of America’s growth as a country.

They include: While not perfect, completing the railroad split the time of the first and second halves of the century because of its other significant impacts.

The continuous railroad reduced the cost and increased the speed of the delivery of people, goods, and mail, positively increasing the economy and quality of life.

Its geographic impact connected the West to the East, speeding up Manifest Destiny and resulting in our country today.

It accelerated the conversion from an agrarian and handicraft society to an industrial giant in the second phase of the Industrial Revolution.

Increasing citizen mobility helped heal the North and South because more people interacted with many more around the country than before the war. Those personal encounters with people from the “other side” soothed hard feelings, speeding up a more united nation. *** While few ride the rails over long distances today, remembering the integral part of passenger rail service in the past and appreciating railroads’ essential role in transporting freight today broadens our understanding of our country’s development.

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How We Became AmeriCANS instead of AmeriCANTS Today’s turmoil can make us forget we are AmeriCANS by birth or naturalization and by our history over 200 years.

Our CAN-DO Attitude is in our genes and makes us exceptional! I also fervently believe we’re an extraordinary country by divine providence and the inspiration given to our founders, those who overcame unimaginable obstacles without any thought of “help from the government” to forge our future and gift us freedom very rarely seen by humans in history.

None of our heroes or benefactors were perfect, but they overcame their limitations to achieve tremendous accomplishments. They built a civilization where there wasn’t one, contributed to the betterment of people where there was one, and enabled individuals to pursue their dreams when, how, and where they wanted to live. *** There are many more examples of our collective achievements than I can cite here. I believe they prove providence’s touch and an inherent can-do attitude in our people.

While he never became an American, Christopher Columbus set the precedent of a can-do attitude with his relentless persistence in achieving his vision of a shortcut to Asia. He wasn’t any more 16

Richard V. Battle

perfect than any hero but lived more courageously than any of his critics.

The Pilgrims risked everything with no hope of returning to Europe, sailing for the Americas in 1620. They endured great hardships and suffered staggering losses but established a permanent foothold for Western Civilization at Plymouth in 1620.

As the colonies grew and prospered, they yearned for better representation and freedom not extended by England. The Boston Tea Party in 1773, the shot heard around the world at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, The Declaration of Independence, and General George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas 1776 were highlights of a sevenyear war of independence.

The U.S. Constitution in 1787, which is still the longestserving governing document, codified individual and state’s rights and delegated specific and limited power to a new federal governing body. Unfortunately, the child continues to seize power from the parent and now acts as the dominant party as was never intended.

The Bill of Rights enumerated individual rights and restricted the government’s power further. It has protected us for two centuries but is under attack as never before today. *** As the country grew and the 19th century dawned, citizens lived their dreams freely. They contributed to the republican experiment knowing freedom would not survive without everyone sharing their talents with their friends and neighbors.

The Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804 to explore the Louisiana Purchase might as well have been a trip to the moon.

Lasting two years, without any communication or support from their countrymen, they traveled to the Pacific Ocean and back, 17

AmeriCANS Who Made America! | 19th Century

losing only one man. Sacagawea, a young Shoshone woman, enabled them to interact with Native American tribes peacefully and they succeeded in their mission.

Before entering the United States, Texans fought their war of independence against Mexico. Sacrificing for their friends and relatives, men at The Alamo fought to the death, and Texans avenged their deaths at San Jacinto, securing the republic for nine years.

The most significant blemish in the American experiment was slavery. Though practiced throughout time and across the world, it is an unacceptable institution. The founders reluctantly relented to secure the necessary commitment from all thirteen colonies to win independence. The Civil War saw more than 600,000 Americans die to extinguish slavery in the United States.

The wagon trains of pioneers settling the west again demonstrated people’s independent and optimistic attitude.

They were willing to risk everything with no support from governments or those they left behind to pursue better lives and futures. Weather, lack of food and water, native and criminal attacks, and illness reduced the numbers of those who reached their destination. Those who survived were strengthened from experience and emboldened to pursue loftier achievements. *** The 20th century dawned with the industrial revolution completely underway. Americans built their accomplishments on the successful and unsuccessful experiences of those before them.

The 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic ravaged the country with sickness and death. Families faced disease and loss with none of the social safety nets that would develop later. Necessity forced people to toughen up for the challenge, illustrating the 18

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old expression, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us tougher.”

Survivors were prepared for more challenges in the future.

The 1920s roared with prosperity and ended with economic hardship as the Great Depression began. Again, people faced difficult times without hope for relief. Overcoming the difficulties strengthened individuals’ resolve and gave them the confidence that they could face almost anything and survive.

Sandwiched around the epidemic and depression, World War I and II threatened the country’s livelihood and civilization.

People banded together, each person finding their place to contribute to the effort to protect and further the life of the United States. Once again, each victory bolstered the people and therefore, the country itself.

Post-World War II saw tremendous growth and prosperity for the country, culture, and the people.

President John F. Kennedy set a goal to place an American on the moon before the end of the 1960s. Americans achieved the goal, though President Kennedy didn’t live to see it.

President Ronald Reagan’s optimistic attitude and rhetoric came at a time of discouragement among the people and inspired the country to achieve a decade of peace and prosperity.

I was fortunate to see him speak once. Then, and on television, Reagan had a gift of making everyone feel they were the only person being spoken to, which is why he was known as the great communicator. *** Despite the 9/11 attacks, a long period of global war, financial upheavals, social justice campaigns, and other setbacks, the United States, in the 21st century, is still the country people around the world look to for leadership and example.

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So many people want what Americans possess. They stream illegally across the border at unprecedented levels, risking everything, including their lives, to achieve it. Others respect our laws and immigrate legally, desiring to assimilate into our culture and improve the trajectory of their family’s future.

Nowhere do people have more individual liberty and economic and political freedom than we who live in The United States. We are free to achieve great dreams that benefit all people today and in the future.

We must remember there is no political freedom without economic freedom. Those who attack private property desiring to redistribute it in the name of “equity,” threaten centuries of building and success for an ideology that only succeeds in theory. *** As in every other example, those selling equity and social justice believe it will be different this time thinking, We’re smarter than those who tried to build a utopia in other times and places.

They refuse to accept that the problem is not who is leading the revolution but the utopian idealism itself.

Their fatal flaw is a misunderstanding of human nature.

They believe human nature has and is evolving, and with their intervention, the selfless, ideal utopia will arrive.

Hundreds of millions of people in other countries are murdered while politicos pursue the path toward nirvana, affirming that human nature has not changed. Regardless of who is leading a government, it will never change.

If my assertion is correct, why would we throw away what has worked very well, though imperfectly, for what the millions who rush to America at the earliest opportunity can’t escape quickly enough?

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As Thomas Sowell expertly said, “Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good.”

The immortal philosopher Yogi Berra said it differently, “In theory, there is no difference in theory and practice. In practice, there is.”

AmeriCANS lead us to victory and achievement.

AmeriCANTS lead us to defeat and dishonor! *** So, what must we do to preserve our AmeriCAN attitude and resist those who would sentence us to a future as AmeriCANTS? 1. We should revere our unique gift of remembering and studying the history of our family and ancestors.

2. We should commit to preserving our CAN-DO spirit, teaching our children what it is and why it is imperative for the success of theirs and future generations.

3. We should RETURN THE FAVOR of the gift we received to those who come behind us. All who sacrificed and contributed to our heritage of individual freedom will have done so in vain if we allow others to extinguish it.

4. We MUST: • Stand up and actively participate in governance.

• Show Up when we can and where we can to support those fighting to protect our interests.

• Speak Up to let our voices influence policy.

• Stay up in the fight. There will be no rest until we neutralize the current threat. It may take longer than we like, but the resulting resumption of unthreatened freedom will be worth the price for us and our children.

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No one can do everything, but each of us can do one thing!

It is WE, THE PEOPLE, who make America! NOT the government!

Be encouraged; our children and America are worth the effort. Let’s keep it up and encourage others to do the same!

We ONLY lose if we quit.

So as with all things, I encourage everyone to Aim High, Work Hard, and NEVER Quit!

®

*First published in Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS, copyright 2022

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Pioneers

Indians Attacking a Wagon Train by Emanuel Leutze, 1863

“Dedicated to the men and women who planted civilization in the wilderness and courage in the blood of their children.”

—Movie dedication — The Big Trail — 1930 *** “Let us not only remember the past and its required sacrifice, let us also remember that we are responsible to build a legacy for the generations which follow us.”

—Thomas S. Monson

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Lewis and Clark (Meriwether and William)

Meriwether Lewis William Clark Clark signature at Pompey’s Pillar

“I could but esteem this moment of my departure as among the most happy of my life.”

—Meriwether Lewis “Faith dares the soul to go farther than it can see.”

– William Clark Lewis and Clark go together like peanut butter and jelly and bacon and eggs because of their historic exploration.

The Lewis and Clark expedition (aka Corps of Discovery) in 1804 to explore the Louisiana Purchase might as well have been a trip to the moon. Lasting two years, without any communication or support from their fellow citizens, they traveled to the Pacific Ocean and back, losing only one man from the thirty who began the journey. Sacagawea, a young Shoshone woman, enabled them 24

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to interact with Native American tribes peacefully and ultimately succeed in their mission (her story follows in a separate profile). *** Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809) was born on the cusp of the American Revolution. His father died serving in the Continental Army, and his mother remarried soon afterward.

Lewis loved the outdoors and nature, and he learned from every experience. His formal education resulted from private instruction from thirteen to eighteen years of age.

He joined the militia and later the army, where he met and befriended William Clark.

President Jefferson selected Lewis as his private secretary, which indicates his character, attitude, and capabilities to serve his country. Jefferson’s appreciation of Lewis’s value and loyalty earned him the assignment to lead an expedition exploring the Louisiana Purchase up the Missouri River, searching for a waterway emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

Lewis offered his friend William Clark the co-command of the mission, which went against all leadership principles about divided commands. History confirms their success was the exception to the rule. *** William Clark (August 1, 1770 – September 1, 1838) had no formal education but was the younger brother of George Rogers Clark and four other brothers who fought in the American Revolution. Their service inspired him to serve in the militia and army until health issues forced him to return to private life. Little is known of his endeavors until Lewis invited him to join the adventure of a lifetime.

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*** The Corps of Discovery Expedition Lewis and Clark’s recruitment and leadership of thirty men on a mission lasting more than two years into an unknown country without support from their fellow citizens, losing only one man to a health issue, was a monumental feat.

Preparation began in late 1803 when President Jefferson recruited Lewis to lead a trip to explore the Louisiana Purchase via the Missouri River to look for a navigable waterway to the Pacific Ocean while making scientific and natural discoveries.

The trip departed St. Louis on May 14, 1804, reached the Pacific Ocean, and returned on September 22, 1806, after covering more than 8,000 miles.

The group overcame a lack of horses, encounters with Native Americans, mountains, weather, inconsistent food supplies, no contact or support from civilization, and many other challenges while accomplishing one of American history’s most remarkable feats of exploration.

Along the way, on July 25, 1806, William Clark carved his name in the rock outcropping we know today as Pompey’s Pillar (named after Sacagawea’s son) in Montana, the only surviving evidence from the explorer’s route. *** Post-Expedition There is a natural letdown people experience after completing objectives or quests that are much larger than they are. I have experienced this phenomenon multiple times. Some people never achieve more significant goals, some use success as a stepping-stone for continued success, and a few can’t live with the pressures of their success and future expectations.

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Meriwether Lewis lived too brief a life after the expedition.

For all the success he earned and the opportunities bestowed upon him, his time was too short, and his end was too mysterious.

What started so promising with President Jefferson appointing Lewis as governor of the Louisiana territory became murkier and more complicated with questions about the details of his pre and post-expedition business dealings.

Lewis died prematurely by gunshot in 1809. Some believe his death was by suicide, while others insist that he was murdered.

We will never know for sure.

Part of a one-sentence description of Lewis penned by Jefferson in 1813 describes him as “of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction…”

Regardless of his end, Meriwether Lewis is a giant in AmeriCAN history because of his leadership, tenacity, and AmeriCAN-do spirit that benefits ALL Americans past, present, and future. *** William Clark’s successful leadership opened everexpanding doors of opportunity, and his reliable execution of those duties justified the faith placed in him.

Jefferson appointed William as general in the Louisiana militia and as a U.S. agent for Indian affairs. He later served as a diplomat to the Native Americans, in the military during the War of 1812, governor of the Missouri territory, and Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

Clark’s accomplishments and impact are substantial for anyone, but even more so for someone with limited education.

He demonstrates that if one grasps the opportunity available, successfully executes it, learns lessons along the way, perseveres 27

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through every hardship, and lives and leads with a servant’s heart; they will lead lives maximizing and fulfilling their purpose.

His headstone memorializes him as a “Soldier, Explorer, Statesman, and Patriot. His life is written in the history of his country.” What an excellent complement to an individual whose courage and perseverance created and continues to influence the lives of all Americans.

Lewis and Clark Quotes “Boys, be ambitious. Be ambitious not for selfish aggrandizement, not for the evanescent (disappearing) thing which men call fame. Be ambitious for the attainment of all that a man can be.”

—Clark “I am not a coward, but I am so strong. So hard to die.”

—Lewis “As we passed on, it seemed those scenes of a visionary enchantment would never have an end.”

—Lewis

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Sacagawea

“Amazing the things you find when you bother to search for them.”

Sacagawea (May 1788 – December 20, 1812) is another AmeriCAN whose too-short life continues to benefit us and will influence our descendants into the future beyond our ability to grasp. She demonstrates the impact of one’s life is more important than its length. What is most important is that we live every day growing and helping others however we can.

Providence prepared her for service when she was captured by a rival tribe and taken far away from her Shoshone family as a young girl. A few years later, French trapper Charbonneau arrived, purchased, and married her, adding the last link in preparation for her unexpected touch on so many.

Sacagawea unexpectedly walked into history in late 1805 after Lewis and Clark (see separate profile) arrived at the Mandan 29

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tribe’s camp. They hired Charbonneau as an interpreter, but Sacagawea demonstrated her superior ability to speak and open relationships with the Native Americans. Lewis and Clark hired them to travel with the expedition, enabling Sacagawea to return to her people.

Traveling thousands of miles overland while pregnant, opening the door for Lewis and Clark to trade and acquire horses from tribes along their route, and persuading the natives that the expedition would not threaten their lives was essential to the mission’s success. Sacagawea recognized landmarks, identified food sources, and helped them trade, among other invaluable services.

In the spring of 1805, she gave birth to Jean Baptiste.

Sacagawea and their son experienced illness during their travel, and William Clark tended to them. It deepened their relationship in unforeseeable ways.

So impressed was Captain Clark with her assistance and son that he named Pompey’s Pillar in Montana after him as he nicknamed the boy Little Pomp. Clark carved his name and date on the unique rock formation on the Yellowstone River upon their return in 1806, and it is the only physical evidence remaining of their journey and route.

Charbonneau, Sacagawea, and little Jean only traveled with the expedition for approximately 16 of its 28 months. They were paid and remained with her Shoshone family as the company returned to St. Louis. Before they parted, William Clark offered to pay for Jean Baptiste’s education in appreciation for their assistance and relationship.

In 1809, Sacagawea and her family traveled to St. Louis, spending more than a year there before she desired to return to her people, where she had a baby named Lisette.

Sacagawea died of a fever in 1812. As quickly as she appeared to the world to serve her life’s purpose, she was gone. Another 30

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AmeriCAN in the long list of those deserving our admiration.

Too few Americans know or appreciate her contributions to the growth and prosperity of the United States.

She was honored in 2000 with her likeness adorning a onedollar American coin. Consumers’ rare use of cash and limited recognition of Sacagawea as a real person and heroine limited the coin’s use.

William Clark eventually gained custody of Jean Baptiste and Lisette and paid for their raising and education, fulfilling his offer and further demonstrating his remarkable character.

Sacagawea Quotes “Everything I do is for my people.”

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living.”

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Kit Carson

“The cowards never start, and the weak die along the way.”

Kit Carson (December 24, 1809 – May 23, 1868) was one of the most famous frontiersmen of the 19th century. Like most of the men of his time, he never sought fame. In a time when every day presented one or more threats to life, Carson was a man of action. He realized talk was cheap and less reliable than one’s skills to survive in the mountains and frontier.

Kit was born into a large family. His father died before his tenth birthday, compelling him to assist his mother in raising his nine siblings. His responsibilities and limited ability to explore the country away from his home frustrated Kit in a way we might describe today as “cabin fever.”

Kit yearned for freedom and dreamed of exploring the frontier; he was very unhappy when he was apprenticed to a saddle maker at fourteen because he feared his dreams would be 32

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dashed. Within a few years, Kit escaped, joining a group heading west.

For the next fifteen years, he learned to trap and trade on the frontier, learning to speak Spanish and French but never to read and write English. Kit married two women from two different native American tribes during his lifetime, and he fathered eight children with his third wife.

Though he was small in stature, Kit’s work ethic, courage, and character earned the respect of older, larger, and more experienced men on the frontier.

In 1842, he met John C. Fremont, who hired him as a guide to map much of the Western United States. Fremont documented his adventures in reports published throughout the country. Those dispatches detailed Carson’s contributions, which unexpectedly earned him significant fame.

Carson’s association with Fremont continued as the West expanded in multiple military actions in the Mexican American war and against Native Americans. Each one further boosted his reputation.

Despite his desire and efforts to eventually settle down into a ranching lifestyle, Carson continued to guide military troops, ultimately receiving a commission as a brigadier general. He also served as an Indian agent and traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the president and advocate for better treatment for the western tribes.

Some men are honored for their words, but Carson’s achievements resulted from his actions, character, and the respect of those who knew him best through their work together.

He is an excellent example of the AmeriCAN-do spirit, worthy of our respect and imitation today.

When something needed doing, the people could always count on Kit Carson to get it done.

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Kit Carson Quotes “Wish I had time for just one more bowl of chili.”

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John C. Fremont

“My purpose was to get leave to bring my party into the settlements in order to outfit and to obtain the supplies that had now become necessary.”

Those are the words of a man who is more comfortable with mathematics and mapmaking than spellbinding rhetoric, so why were his reports so appealing to read? *** Like Kit Carson, John C. Fremont (January 21, 1813 – July 13, 1890) was a man of action. However, he was also a man of words, though his reports detailing exploring the West to prepare for American expansion brought him and Carson fame as an unintended consequence.

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Fremont’s gift for math was recognized early, which earned him a position teaching math on a U.S. warship patrolling the coasts of South America and working on a railroad survey crew in Ohio.

He eventually earned his college degree, which he combined with his quest to travel the country. This led to his notable achievements and contributions to the rapid expansion into the Western United States. *** His explorations began in 1838, including mapping the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. He eventually explored everything between the Mississippi Valley and the Pacific Ocean, which earned him the nickname “Pathfinder.”

Fremont’s reports of his explorations included practical details you would expect from a mathematician, but they read like an adventure novel. The absence of timeless quotes of inspirational prose attributed to him over a lifetime makes us question who wrote the reports delivered to the public.

The answer lies in Fremont’s wife, Jessie Benton Fremont (daughter of Thomas Hart Benton), a gifted writer who enhanced the technical details with descriptions, placing readers into the action, resulting in fame for himself and Kit Carson. She is the unsung hero behind the heroes. *** Freemont found himself in California at the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, where he was appointed as a major, leading a battalion of volunteer forces and eventually accepting the surrender of the Mexican troops and an appointment as governor.

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A disagreement between the volunteers and the regular Army on his authority led to a court martial for Fremont, which President Polk set aside. The result left Fremont with a negative attitude toward the government but a great regard for the people.

Like the plot from a Hollywood movie, Fremont settled in California on land that made him a millionaire after discovering a rich gold vein.

Fremont was appointed one of the first two U.S. Senators to Congress upon California’s admission into the Union. His antislavery stance cost him re-election but led to an expedition to Utah and his nomination in 1856 as the first Republican candidate for president, where he was defeated by James Buchanan.

During the Civil War, Fremont received two commissions in the Union Army, but his ineffective leadership resulted in his leaving the military and returning to private life.

Fremont served as governor of the Arizona territory in his last public position.

John C. Fremont’s life exhibited courage, purpose, the exploration of vast, unknown territories, military service, teamwork, collaboration with his wife to better tell of his adventures, leadership, and most of all, the AmeriCAN-do spirit worthy of our appreciation and honor.

The city of Fremont, California, is one of his honors.

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Davy Crockett

“I leave this rule for others when I’m dead. Be always sure you’re right – THEN GO AHEAD!” “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” – 1954 music by George Bruns and lyrics by Thomas W. Blackburn.

Born on a mountain top in Tennessee greenest state in the land of the free raised in the woods so he knew ev’ry tree kilt him a be’are when he was only three Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier!

Tennessee and Texas hero Davy Crockett (August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) became a national sensation in the 1950s when Walt Disney aired his life and heroic death at The Alamo on television.

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The Ballad of Davy Crockett told his story in song. Children sported coonskin caps, lunchboxes, and other items, admiring him and increasing his larger-than-life image. *** Like every individual elevated to celebrity status, his life was more than the events the public honored, but no less worthy of his reputation.

Davy Crockett’s family was poor, as evidenced by his lack of formal schooling. His father hired him out to other people to work for money to contribute to his family and ease their debts.

Yes, he was a frontiersman and soldier, but his fame and success came from his wit, intelligence, storytelling, and speaking skills. After fighting in the Creek War and the War of 1812, he began public service as a county commissioner in 1817.

In the following years, he served two terms in the Tennessee legislature, where he won three and lost three elections to Congress between 1825 and 1835. His last defeat was so bitter that he told people upon his return to Tennessee, “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.” *** And go to Texas, and eternity he did.

Davy Crockett and a group of volunteers (friends) left Tennessee in November 1835 to travel to Texas, where they heard it was paradise. In Nacogdoches, in January 1836, they signed a document committing to serving the Texas independence effort for six months.

Barely two weeks before General Santa Anna led thousands of Mexican troops north to San Antonio, Crockett and friends arrived in San Antonio, joining Colonel Travis and others in The Alamo.

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The thirteen-day siege known as “The Siege of the Alamo” ended with every Texan perishing by the final charge on March 6th. Yes, there are conflicting stories of when and how Crockett and others died, but no one disputes their heroism and sacrifice, which contributed emotionally and physically to the Texas victory at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This victory secured Texas’ Independence and birthed the Republic of Texas, which lived until the treaty, admitting it to the United States in 1845. *** Davy Crockett’s legend of courage, independence, and adventure lives on today. Many overlook Crockett’s poor upbringing, limited education, leadership skills, and success in various fields, including politics, which few would have imagined him conquering.

Overachieving and accomplishing success in almost every endeavor is a common trait of individuals with the AmeriCANdo spirit. They overcome disadvantaged starts, refuse to let adversities deter their pursuit of excellence, exhibit confidence in succeeding in unfamiliar fields, and persist to their last breath, improving their condition and those they lead, influence, or love.

Davy Crockett was such a man.

Davy Crockett Quotes “Let your tongue speak what your heart thinks.”

“I want people to get what they need to live: enough food, a place to live, and an education for their children. Government does not provide these as well as private charities and businesses.”

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“We must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy for the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living.”

“We have the right, as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress we have no right so to appropriate a dollar of the public money.”

“I am now here in Congress…I am at liberty to vote as my conscience and judgment dictates to be right, without the yoke of any party on me, or the driver at my heels, with his whip in hand, commanding me to ge-wo-haw, just at his pleasure. Look at my arms, you will find no party handcuff on them!”

“I will never come and go, and fetch and carry, at the whistle of the great man in the White House no matter who he is.”

“You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.”

“I know not whether in the eyes of the world, a brilliant death is not preferred to an obscure life of rectitude. Most men are remembered as they died, and not as they lived. We gaze with admiration upon the glories of the setting sun yet scarcely bestow a passing glance upon its noonday splendor.”

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Zebulon Pike

“If success attends my steps, honor and glory await my name - if defeat, still shall it be said we died like brave men, and conferred honor, even in death, on the American name.”

Best remembered by the mountain named after him in Colorado (Pikes Peak), Zebulon Pike (January 5, 1779 – April 27, 1813) lived a life full of action and without fear. He illustrated that the “Impact of a life is more important than its length,” which my friend, Dr. Logan Cummings, taught me after my son’s passing.

Like many men of his time, he followed his Revolutionary War veteran father’s profession, becoming a professional soldier in 1799. Little is known of his education, which leads us to believe it was informal and practical, leading him into the military.

He married his cousin, Clarissa Brown, and they had five children, only one who survived into adulthood. She must have 42

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been a strong woman maintaining their home, raising their child, and dealing with the devastating loss of their other four children while Pike served America exploring the West and fighting in the War of 1812. *** Pike’s leadership skills led to his assignment in 1806 to lead a 20-man expedition to locate the source of the Mississippi River, claim its basin for the United States, expel non-Americans hoping to claim it for other powers, establish friendly relations with the Native Americans, and safely return. The mission’s hazards resulted in his predecessor’s group failing in the mission and never being heard from again.

Zebulon’s success resulted in his receiving orders to explore what is now known as Arkansas and Colorado. The party discovered but couldn’t summit the mountain we now call Pike’s Peak.

They then inadvertently crossed into New Mexico, controlled

by Spain, during their search for the source of the Red River. This resulted in their capture and escort to Santa Fe and later their release at the Louisiana border, permitting their return home. *** The War of 1812 interrupted Pike’s and other missions of exploration to focus on protecting America from British invasion and the loss of our Republic. His continued success is recorded in his rapid promotion from Captain to Colonel and then to Brigadier-General.

Leading from the front, Pike lost his life in the battle of York in 1813, an area we know today as Toronto, Canada.

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*** Pike documented his expeditions, publishing reports that benefited explorers who followed him. He informed his contemporaries about lands they knew little about and continues to demonstrate for us the AmeriCAN-do spirit he and his companions lived, contributing to the expansion of land and prosperity of the United States and inspiring the pursuit of our dreams.

Throughout his life, he served America with courage, leading others by example. He made the ultimate sacrifice rather than choosing the easy path, leaving the responsibilities of citizenship to others.

Zebulon Pike Quotes “He was a man, he always performed his promises.”

“May Heaven be propitious and smile on the cause of my country.”

“Should I be the happy mortal destined to turn the scale of war, will you not rejoice, O my father.”

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Charles Goodnight

“Cowards never lasted long enough to become real cowboys.”

Born in Illinois the day before the Alamo fell, Charles (Charlie) Goodnight (March 5, 1836 – December 12, 1929) didn’t reach Texas until his family moved to Waco when he was ten years old. Charlie’s can-do spirit and accomplishments left a legacy tying him to Texas and the West eternally.

Details about his childhood have escaped history, but he became a cowboy by adulthood. Charlie served as a scout in the militia, as well as serving with the Texas Rangers and in the Civil War. After the war, he built a cattle ranch covering over one million acres in West Texas. He also had additional ranches in New Mexico and Colorado.

Goodnight’s large cattle operation required a market to buy his herds to succeed. The only way in those days to deliver the 45

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cows to the railroad towns where they could be shipped East was by a trail drive.

Charlie partnered with Oliver Loving to create the GoodnightLoving trail to New Mexico. After Loving’s death, he worked with John Chisum (brought to fame in the movie Chisum) to extend the trail to Wyoming. Later, he led drives to Dodge City, Kansas.

Goodnight revealed his intelligence in inventing the chuck wagon (the original food truck), which was crucial in supporting the trail drives, by introducing purebred cattle and launching a Stockman’s association. He also fought rustlers and Indians and adopted barbed wire early to protect his range and herds from men who didn’t respect others’ property.

Charlie was the model for Woodrow Call in the acclaimed Western series Lonesome Dove and inspired other characters in Western literature, movies, and television. His recognition includes being one of the five original inductees into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Although all of his endeavors weren’t successful, and he suffered financial hardship later in life, he never acted dishonorably. Charles Goodnight is a legend of the West who earned his reputation with successful actions over a wide range of activities and many decades.

Charles Goodnight Quotes “When the ranch is in peace, no other life is more perfect.”

“I wish I could find words to express the trueness, the bravery, the hardihood, the sense of honor, the loyalty to their trust and to each other of the old trail hands.”

“Above all things, the plainsmen had to have an instinct for direction. I never had a compass in my life, but I was never lost.”

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A Tribute A sign of class in Western civilization is that it is better to have others sing your praise than trumpet it yourself. Below is a tribute by legendary author J. Frank Dobie: “I have met a lot of good men, several fine gentlemen, hordes of cunning climbers, plenty of loud-braying asses and plenty of dumb oxen, but I haven’t lived long enough or traveled far enough to meet more than two or three men I’d call great. This is a word I will not bandy around. To me, Charles Goodnight was great-natured.”

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Lew Wallace

“A man is never so on trial as in the moment of excessive good fortune.”

Lew who? Lew Wallace (April 10, 1827 – February 15, 1905) was a renaissance man before the term became popular. Wallace lived a life full of accomplishments as a lawyer, Civil War general, governor of the New Mexico Territory, politician, diplomat, author, and artist.

He was born in Indiana and moved frequently during his first ten years as his father’s military and political career demanded.

His talent as a writer and artist appeared early, but he preferred learning by observation outside over sitting in the classroom.

Wallace’s preference led to his early exit from formal schooling and the beginning of his real-world education in a county clerk’s office.

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He broadened his experience by joining the militia, beginning his first novel, studying law under his father, serving in the military during the Mexican-American War, and by operating a newspaper. *** When the Civil War began, Wallace was married and practicing law. He joined the Union Army and assisted Indiana in fulfilling its assigned military recruitment quota. Wallace assumed command of a regiment as a colonel. With occasional controversy, he served the entire war successfully, climbing the leadership ladder and resulting in his final rank as a Major General. Recognition of his leadership impact during the war includes earning the title of Savior of Cincinnati after successfully defending the city from rebel attacks Wallace found himself in Cincinnati in August of 1862 after many blamed him for the Federal defeat at the Battle of Shiloh.

Confederate troops captured Richmond, Kentucky, followed by Frankfort and Lexington. News the Confederates would attack Cincinnati created fear and panic. Wallace had no army to defend the city, so he dug deep into his AmeriCAN-do spirit and commanded the citizens to protect their city.

Rich and poor, black and white, men and women all pitched in to prepare defenses. By the time the 9,000 Confederates reached Cincinnati, 70,000 soldiers, and volunteers stood ready to defend their city. Seeing a defense beyond their expectations, the Confederate troops withdrew on September 11th rather than launch a futile attack. Major General Lew Wallace received accolades for his leadership, which repaired his reputation and set the stage for further successful service and accomplishments. *** 49

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Wallace’s military and political efforts resulted in President Hayes appointing him Territorial governor of New Mexico. His most famous action resolved the issue of Billy the Kid to the satisfaction of most people, with the lawman Pat Garrett shooting him in 1881. Residents of Hico, Texas dispute the fact and claim Billy (known as Brushy Bill Roberts) died there in 1950.

Roberts surfaced in Hico in 1948 when a lawyer named William Morrison heard the legend and traveled to meet after communicating with several locals who testified Billy the Kid lived and went by the name of Brushy Bill.

After speaking with Bill and examining his scars, Morrison agreed to help him seek a pardon from Governor Mabry in New Mexico in 1950. The governor rebuffed Morrison’s arguments on Bill’s behalf, and four weeks later, he died after suffering a heart attack. Brushy Bill’s grave is in Hamilton, Texas, with a tombstone identifying him as William Henry Roberts and Billy the Kid. To this day, citizens in Hico, Texas, claim Billy the Kid lived and died there.

Although few recognize his connection to the novel and eventual movie, Wallace’s book, Ben Hur: A Tale of The Christ, has impacted far more people over time. Next Easter season, watch or re-watch the 1959 production of Ben Hur starring Charleton Heston. I believe you’ll agree with me and all those who consider it a truly inspiring story.

Wallace wrote a dozen books, but none approached the success and impact of Ben Hur, which was the highest-selling book of the 19th century, surpassing even Uncle Tom’s Cabin. *** Until the very end of his life in 1905, he actively worked on ideas to serve others and improve the human condition in his literature, inventions, and interactions with people.

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His honors include New Mexico recognizing him with a statue that stands in the United States Capitol Statuary Hall, which provides for only two memorials from each state.

Lew Wallace Quotes “Pure wisdom always directs itself toward God, the purest of wisdom is knowledge of God.” “Knowledge leaves no room for chances.”

“Power is a fretful thing, and hath its wings always spread for flight.”

“Riches take wings, comforts vanish, hope withers away, but love stays with us. Love is God.” “While craving justice for ourselves, it is never wise to be unjust to others.”

“The happiness of love is in action; its test is what one is willing to do for others.”

“It is never wise to slip the bands of discipline.”

“What children we are, even the wisest! When God walks the earth, his steps are often centuries apart.”

“Heaven may be won, not by the sword, not by human wisdom, but by Faith, Love, and Good Works.”

“The friend whose task it is to torture us with fears and bitter thoughts seldom does his work by halves.”

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“Repentance must be something more than mere remorse for sins, it comprehends a change of nature befitting heaven.”

“Youth is but a painted shell within which, continually growing, lives that wonderous thing the spirit of man, biding its moment of apparition, earlier in some than in others.”

“As a rule, there is no surer way to the dislike of men than to behave well where they have behaved badly.”

“Sympathy is in great degree a result of the mood we are in at the moment; anger forbids the emotion. On the other hand, it is easiest taken on when we are in a state of most absolute selfsatisfaction.”

“As a rule, he fights well who has wrongs to redress; but vastly better fights he who, with wrongs as a spur, has also steadily before him a glorious result in prospect – a result in which he can discern balm for wounds, compensation for valor, remembrance and gratitude in the event of death.”

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Wyatt Earp

“That nothing’s so sacred as honor and nothing so loyal as love.”

While we know more about Wyatt Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) than many 19th-century figures from book, television, and movie portrayals, there is always more to a person than the written word or the cinema presents. Few realize he walked away from law enforcement and violence and lived peacefully with his wife until his passing in 1929, but we must not get ahead of ourselves. *** Westward expansion was not for the weak or timid but demanded the utmost AmeriCAN-do attitude in the 19th century.

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Americans and lawbreakers, and an absence of law and order could (and did) appear quickly and out of seemingly thin air.

Pioneers prepared as much as possible for all the vagaries of life, but often fate dealt the hands and people played them the best they could. Many people experienced multiple careers in their lifetime as they struggled to survive and thrive without a safety net of family wealth or influence to soften the blows of adversity. *** Wyatt Earp lived such a life. He was born in Illinois and is one of eight children. Two of his four brothers and one half-brother were older than him, but they all participated in the events that created Wyatt’s fame.

Before achieving his legendary status, he also lived in Iowa, California, Wyoming, and Missouri, where he married and served as a constable in 1870, the first of his law enforcement positions. Fate took his pregnant wife’s life within the year, and Wyatt’s grief led him to lose his job and leave town. He spent most of the next five years in and out of trouble with the law while dealing with his heartbreak and searching for a new life. *** In 1879, Wyatt followed his two older brothers, James and Virgil, to Tombstone, Arizona, setting the stage for one of the most famous events in Western history and securing his reputation as a legendary lawman. His younger brother Morgan later joined them, and the four Earps formed a close-knit law enforcement team.

Over time, certain people began to view peace officers as individuals who existed solely to deprive them of having fun at the expense of law-abiding citizens. A group called the Cowboys 54

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took personal offense in this way to the Earps. Disagreements escalated over time, leading to the life-defining eruption in Wyatt’s life. *** Fate arrived on October 26, 1881, but only lingered for thirty seconds. In that brief span, the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday faced Ike and Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury, and Billy Claiborne. Thirty shots rang out in that number of seconds, and when the smoke and sounds evaporated into the past, three Cowboys lay dead, three more participants suffered wounds, and two outlaws ran only to die later from the bullets of other lawmen.

Over the next five months, the Cowboys ambushed Virgil, paralyzing him, and murdered Morgan. Wyatt and Doc Holliday led a posse, ending the threat and his career as a lawman.

Through it all, Wyatt never suffered a gunshot wound, adding to his reputation. *** With his brothers avenged, Wyatt departed Tombstone for California, living the next forty-eight years in peace with Josephine Marcus, his true love.

Never one to limit his experience, he mined, owned a saloon, gambled, chased gold in the Klondike, raced horses, refereed a boxing match, and even acted in a movie. Wyatt’s various jobs in his younger years -- driving a stagecoach, hunting buffalo, and working on the railroad -- rounded out his experiences. ***

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Interestingly, the 1881 showdown did not occur at the O.K. Corral and was mainly unknown until much later. Stuart N. Lake’s biography (Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal) of Wyatt was published two years after he died in 1931. Wyatt spoke to Lake as he wrote the biography. Lake’s account glorified Wyatt, building the reputation we remember today.

The branding of the Tombstone Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was significantly influenced by the portrayal of Wyatt Earp in movies. Films released in 1931, 1939, and The Gunfight at O.K. Corral in 1957 played a crucial role in shaping the public’s perception of this historical event.

Wyatt outlived all his brothers and the participants of the O.K. Corral affair, dying peacefully in Los Angeles in 1929 at eighty years of age. Though Wyatt died in a bed with his boots off, he lived a rich life full of the AmeriCAN-do spirit with his boots on every day. He would wish that heritage for us and those who follow us, and his example continues to influence us.

Wyatt Earp Quotes “Destiny is that which we are drawn towards, and Fate is that which we run into.”

“Fast is fine, but accuracy is final. You must learn to be slow in a hurry.”

“The most important lesson I learned …was that the winner of a gunplay usually was the one who took his time.”

“Shooting at a man who is returning the compliment means going into action with the greatest speed of which a man’s muscles are capable, but mentally unflustered by an urge to hurry or the need for complicated nervous and muscular actions which trick shooting involves.”

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Addendum

I must admit to having a soft spot for Wyatt Earp. Watching the Wyatt Earp television show is among my earliest memories.

Playing a Western version of cops and robbers was a necessity for most boys, including me. I was fortunate to receive an official Wyatt Earp gun belt and pistol to add to the make-believe experience.

The belt and pistol are long gone, but their box is pictured above as my mother repurposed it to save other items. Seeing it again brings back pleasant memories of the childhood days of yesteryear.

Amazingly, in those days, you never heard of any boys transferring their playful activities to the real-world violence of shooting other humans.

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Frederic Remington

A Dash for the Timber – 1889

The Stampede – 1909

“I knew the wild riders and the vacant land were about to vanish forever … and the more I considered the subject, the bigger forever loomed. Without knowing how to do it, I began to record some facts around me, and the more I looked, the more the panorama unfolded.”

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For those Americans unable to experience the West in the 19 century, Frederic Remington (October 4, 1861 - December 26, 1909) and others brought the West to them through paintings and sculptures we continue to enjoy (My replica of The Stampede pictured above is my favorite piece of art).

Surprisingly, Remington was born in Canton, New York, rather than in the West, which he loved and depicted in his most famous works. His formal education consisted of three semesters at Yale University and later at The Arts Students League in New York City.

Like Theodore Roosevelt, Remington ventured West soon after experiencing the successive losses of his father and an engagement. His only clue that the West would interest him was his family’s interest in horses.

Remington’s curiosity as a reporter and artist led him to recognize the West he traveled and loved would soon vanish into memory, books, and art. On his first trip, he submitted his first sketches, which Harper’s Weekly printed.

On many trips back and forth over the early 1880s, he fully experienced the uniqueness of Western life, including cattle ranching, mining, operating a hardware store and saloon, and his true passion, sketching. Back home in New York, Eastern publications recognized his combination of skills as a reporter and artist, along with his Western experience, and commissioned him to capture the Old West before it evaporated.

His popularity grew, resulting in commissions for stories and illustrations that paid the bills and developed his craft to create the breathtaking classics we admire today. In 1895, he added bronze sculpting to his repertoire.

Remington’s friendship with Roosevelt led him to travel to Cuba during the Spanish-American War as a war correspondent and illustrator, reporting the victories and horrors of that conflict to American audiences. th

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*** As he aged, Remington’s weight went up, and his health went down due to the passive nature of his creative work. He passed too early, at forty-eight years old, from complications during surgery for appendicitis.

Looking back, it is somewhat poetic that Remington left us soon after time ran out on the lore of the Old West. Frederic’s productivity included 51 paintings, 22 bronze sculptures, eight books, and untold sketches, illustrations, and other writings.

His creations from memory seemed to contain a soul that was lacking in the available black-and-white photographs used by other artists of the day. *** Frederic Remington’s life proves that it isn’t where we begin but where we finish that counts. If we possess a can-do spirit, we can define and redefine our journey in the United States because of the freedom we have inherited. Geography, economic class, race, age, education, gender, or any other demographic doesn’t dictate our lives as it does in different countries. Our dreams, determination, focus, and persistence, along with the ability to continually improve our skills and overcome obstacles and adversities, will result in our lifetime achievements and influence on future generations.

Frederic Remington Quotes “But art is a process of elimination … Cut down and out – do your hardest work outside the picture, and let your audience take away something to think about --- to imagine.”

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“Art is a she-devil of a mistress, and if at times in earlier days she would not even stoop to my way of thinking, I have persevered and will continue to do so.”

Out of Frederic Remington’s Sundown Leflare graved on the mantel. Sundown and another mountain man cooked and ate their supper. “Then,” says Remington, “they sat down with the greatest philosopher on earth – the fire.”

Author note – What a perspective!

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Leaders

Title: Lincoln’s address at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, November 19, 1863

“…this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

—President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

—President John Quincy Adams

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James Monroe

“Let us by wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.”

Bridging the 18th and 19th centuries, James Monroe (April 28, 1758 -July 4, 1831) was the last Founding Father who served as president and from the founding Virginia dynasty. He served his country in many capacities throughout his life.

Monroe was born into a modestly landed family that included enslaved people. Still, his father supplemented his income with carpentry work, and James attended school a mere 11 weeks per year to permit him to work the remainder of the year for his family. At 16, he withdrew from school altogether to support his siblings after his parents died.

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His uncle changed history when he took James under his wing, introducing him to Virginia leaders and enabling him to attend college. We never know who may change our life and history, or who we may encourage to redirect their lives and influence generations.

Monroe joined the Continental Army, crossed the Delaware River with General Washington, and suffered a wound at Trenton.

Leaving the Army in 1780, he enlisted Thomas Jefferson to teach him the law.

Before being selected as Minister to France, he served in the Virginia legislature and Congress under the Articles of Confederation. Later, he served as governor of Virginia before returning to France and serving as secretary of war and state.

After decades of public service, Monroe was elected the fifth president of the United States in 1816 and re-elected in 1820. He is most famous for The Monroe Doctrine, warning Europe not to colonize the Western Hemisphere and declaring the U.S. would not pursue interests in Europe.

Unlike most of today’s politicians, Monroe left the presidency deep in personal debt because he personally financed many of his public activities. He eventually received some repayment for his efforts from Congress. He also served on the board of The University of Virginia and in other endeavors.

Less known than certain more famous Founding Fathers, James Monroe is worthy of our admiration because of his example of a lifetime of service in many capacities to his country.

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James Monroe Quotes “The best form of government is that which is likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.”

“The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.”

“We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties.”

“A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”

“National honor is a property of the highest value.”

“It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.”

“History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war.”

“A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.”

“To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimeral (unrealistic) idea.”

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John Quincy Adams

“The virtue of the people is the foundation of republican government. The stability and duration of the government must depend on the stability and virtue which it is sustained.”

If ever someone’s life prepared them to serve the public, John Quincy Adams’s life (July 11, 1767 – February 23, 1848) did so.

It was not merely because his father, John Adams, served as a Founding Father and the second president. No one in those days expected to get rich or take credit for spending enough taxpayer money to make the personal sacrifice to serve in elective office worthwhile.

As a young boy, Quincy witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill from a distance. He traveled on diplomatic missions with his father and earned an extensive education abroad.

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to cement American Independence by ending the Revolutionary War, John Quincy earned his law degree at Harvard University.

His education, experience, and life connections earned him an appointment as U.S. minister to Holland from President Washington in 1794, which began his life of public service. His father appointed him U.S. minister to Prussia, and he later served in the Massachusetts legislature and U.S. Senate as minister to Russia, negotiator for the Treaty of Ghent, minister of England, and Secretary of State. He also created the Monroe Doctrine, which stood unquestioned for over 200 years. *** With unmatched experience, Adams entered the 1824 Presidential race against prevailing winds of change in the electoral process and against four other candidates. Only one party existed that year, so the candidates emerged from regional areas of the country. In addition, many states had embraced having the popular vote elect electors rather than state legislatures to the Electoral College.

No candidate received the majority of votes in the Electoral College, which sent the matter to the House of Representatives for the second time in twenty-four years. Ironically, John Quincy’s father lost the 1800 election when the House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson over Adams and Aaron Burr.

Andrew Jackson earned the most popular and electoral votes. Still, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, after Henry Clay withdrew and directed his votes to Adams. Jackson was furious, and cries of corruption erupted when Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State shortly after the dust settled on the election.

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John Quincy Adams had ambitious dreams for his presidency, but his hard-edged New England personality, enemies created during the contentious election, and the public’s disdain for expanding the federal government limited his success and impact on the country’s future.

The 1826 mid-term elections saw Andrew Jackson’s allies defeat Adam’s candidates in Congressional and Senate races, setting the stage for Jackson’s election in 1828. John Quincy did not attend Jackson’s inauguration following his father’s precedence, this being only one of five instances in our history. *** Adams refused to accept defeat as the end of his opportunity to contribute to the political discourse and advancement of the country. He won a seat in Congress in 1830 and led factions seeking to end slavery. He served until his passing in 1848 after arguing to honor the veterans of the Mexican-American War, even though he opposed the conflict. *** John Quincy Adams was the only son of a United States president who was elected president until George W. Bush’s election in 2000 when he followed his father’s (George Herbert Walker Bush) election in 1988.

With his lifetime of achievements, Adams exhibited a strong AmeriCAN-do attitude, although many rank his presidency as average. His example proves we can achieve significantly in some things but may not always succeed. Shortcomings in our enterprises should encourage us to contribute to endeavors in which our strengths will have a positive influence. While we may disagree with his viewpoints, most can agree on his motivation.

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Adams’s patriotism and service rather than seeking wealth and power stand as an outstanding example for us to follow in our pursuits.

John Quincy Adams Quotes “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”

“All men profess honesty as long as they can. To believe all men honest would be folly. To believe none so is something worse.”

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

“I have to study politics and war so that my sons can study mathematics, commerce and agriculture, so their sons can study poetry, painting, and music.”

“When legislature is corrupted, the people are undone.”

“I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.”

“Duty is ours, results are God’s.”

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“The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”

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President Andrew Jackson

“No free government can stand without the virtue of the people, and a lofty spirit of patriotism.”

Andrew Jackson’s (March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845) temperament and tendency to scrap with others regardless of their advantage prepared him for the adversities of his youth.

His father died just before his birth, but the men of his mother’s family influenced his character.

His mother wanted him to become a pastor, but his formal schooling ended when the Revolutionary War appeared in the Carolinas. One older brother died in combat, and another, along with his mother, died of disease. Andrew survived a case of smallpox, being captured by the British, and a blow to his head and hand while imprisoned before his fourteenth birthday. His

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experience, matched with his constitution, prepared him for the many struggles ahead.

After Independence, Jackson worked making saddles, attended and taught school, studied law, served as a prosecuting attorney, fought a duel, and bought a servant to assist his efforts as a planter and land speculator. This variety of experiences served his later opportunities well and illustrates the advantage of political leaders with practical experience versus career politicians without any knowledge outside of government.

Like everyone, Jackson’s ownership of a human is a negative characteristic, but in the context of his entire life, he still deserves our remembrance and appreciation. If we discarded our predecessors who failed, we would have no examples to aid our journey in this world.

Jackson found the love of his life, Rachel, whose inspiration complimented his ambitions. Those who questioned her qualities quickly found themselves the recipients of Jackson’s quick temper.

Jackson’s leadership qualities are evident by his contribution to his state constitution, election as a U.S. Congressman in 1796, appointment as a judge, election by militia members as their commanding officer, and election by the legislature as a U.S. Senator in 1797.

Military Jackson earned his nickname, Old Hickory, from the militia he led because of his toughness. After starts and stops, he led a force intent on repaying Native Americans after their massacre at Fort Mims, Alabama. The most famous battle in the successful campaign occurred at Horseshoe Bend in Alabama, which earned Jackson an appointment as Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. His success continued as he led his troops toward his most famous battle, the defense of New Orleans.

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Wouldn’t you know that this most well-known land battle of the War of 1812 occurred after the signing of the peace treaty ending the war? Such were communications in those days.

Jackson’s 5,000 troops, including civilians, prepared themselves and stood tall behind earthen fortifications when the British attacked on January 8, 1815. Like the Battle of Bunker Hill, troops delayed firing until they could see the whites of the British soldier’s eyes. The one-sided battle resulted in approximately 2,000 enemy casualties compared to around 60 for the Americans.

The American victory cemented Andrew Jackson as a generational leader, preparing him for future political success.

He continued military service until budget cuts eliminated his position in 1819.

Presidential Politics Jackson’s loyal followers recruited him to run for President of The United States in 1824. He won a plurality of popular and electoral votes but lost the election when the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams. His anger led him to resign from the Senate and prepare to avenge the defeat in 1828.

Jackson believed government service should rotate, and citizens had as much right to participate as the elite who had dominated the field since the inception of the United States.

He agreed with and followed Jefferson’s principles that rotating public officials protected the country from abuse, making it more difficult for dictators to rise to power.

Jackson’s supporters lobbied against Adams’s efforts and election laws and appealed to voters preparing for the 1828 election campaign, whose dirty campaign tactics rival today’s negative efforts.

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Coast and strong government candidates dominating politics exclusively ended, and Western candidates espousing populist views arrived to compete and win.

Two of Jackson’s most significant issues occurred during his 1832 re-election campaign.

Unlike less principled elected officials who hesitated to take bold action during election years, Andrew Jackson ignored his re-election risk in 1832 when dealing with the Bank of the United States and continued Native American issues.

Jackson’s dislike of credit, paper money, and IOUs and their increased bank usage led to his war on the bank. Jackson’s July 1832 veto of rechartering the bank set the precedent that a president could veto any bill for any reason, expanding presidential power and increasing the usage of vetoes since then.

States dealt with Native American issues before Jackson’s presidency. Still, his actions while serving changed the relationship between states and the U.S. government with the tribes and between the presidency and the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled in Worcester vs. Georgia in 1832 that tribes were nations; thus, the United States should act on issues with them rather than individual states. Jackson disagreed with the decision and endorsed the rights of states to deal with the tribes. Years later, Horace Greely supposedly reported Jackson saying about the ruling, “Well, Marshall has made his decision, let him enforce it.” A president disagreeing with court decisions is not a present-day phenomenon, but one as old as our Constitution, and the natural contention creates a healthy balance of power.

The growth of party politics and presidential power increased and has impacted elections from 1832 forward. Despite Jackson’s dealing with controversial issues, he won a decisive popular and electoral victory.

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*** During Andrew Jackson’s second term and the country’s growth, the number and complexity of issues domestically and internationally expanded.

He appointed six Supreme Court justices in his two terms, oversaw the admission of two states to the union (Arkansas and Michigan), paid off the national debt, continued his disagreement with the bank, survived an assassination attempt, and faced the issue that would eventually divide the country, slavery. *** Andrew Jackson continued to influence public policy for the remainder of his life and stands as a giant AmeriCAN in the history of the United States. Imperfect, as are we all, he was a man of action, courage, and example and served his fellow citizens as his duty directed him to do so in his life on this earth. His record of achievements versus shortfalls leans decisively toward impacting his and all generations positively and is worthy of our respect and honor.

Andrew Jackson Quotes “One man with courage makes a majority.”

“It (the Bible) is the rock on which our Republic rests.”

“You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.”

“When you get in debt, you become a slave.”

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“It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.”

“Equality of talents, of education or of wealth cannot be produced by human institutions.”

“But you must remember, my fellow citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.”

“Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes is right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.”

“Americans are not a perfect people, but we are called to a perfect mission.”

“Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”

“The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.”

“As long as our government is administered for the good of the people and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of persons and of property, liberty of conscience, and of the press, it will be worth defending.”

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Sam Houston

“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.”

Sam Houston (March 2, 1793 - July 26, 1863) was the definition of a great leader. He was the George Washington of Texas. His impact on the 19th century, today, and the future is unquestionable.

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto Museum and Sam’s life was as unique as his Battlefield leadership style, and he demonstrated how a wide variety of experiences, successes, and setbacks can benefit our future if we take the time to learn the lessons from each of them.

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He was less than an enthusiastic student, eventually running away and living with Cherokee Indians for three years before enlisting in the War of 1812. *** Less well known is his mother, Elizabeth’s influence on Sam and the difference she made in our lives.

She signed the enlistment papers for Sam to join the army in the War of 1812. She told him, “My son, take this musket and never disgrace it: for remember, I had rather all my sons should fill one honorable grave than that one of them should turn his back to save his life. Go, and remember, too, that while the door of my cabin is open to brave men, it is eternally shut against cowards.”

Elizabeth also presented him with a gold ring with the word “HONOR” inscribed inside. Sam wore that ring every day of his life. There is no way to know how the sentiment of that ring influenced Sam’s decisions and actions, and thereby all of us since that date, and for untold numbers in the future.

We can view and receive inspiration from the Honor ring housed at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in LaPorte, Texas. I hope others emulate Elizabeth Houston and give their children HONOR rings, also. *** Sam returned to teach and practice law and serve in Congress and as governor of Tennessee. After a brief marriage ended, Sam spent more time with the Cherokees and took the unpopular position of advocating for them in Washington. President Andrew Jackson took a liking to Sam, believing he would be an outstanding President of the United States.

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Jackson sent Houston to Texas in 1832, where his charisma and trustworthiness rapidly earned Sam leadership opportunities.

When hostilities appeared inevitable, Houston was chosen as commander-in-chief of what passed for the Texas army.

While the thirteen-day siege of the Alamo raged, Houston gathered and trained troops, and a convention met in San Felipe, drafting the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico.

Texas declared independence on March 2, 1836, purposely on Sam Houston’s birthday. It was an honor indicating how highly delegates respected him. *** After the Alamo fell on March 6, Sam Houston led the Texas Army and many civilians in a strategic retreat Eastward from the Mexican Army for 42 days toward the present-day city of Houston on what became known as “The Runaway Scrape.” He knew they had one opportunity to defeat Santa Anna and secure independence.

Everyone in the party had lost family and friends and wanted to fight immediately. His leadership was the difference between winning victory and independence, and the respect given to him enabled him to delay fighting until the Texans had the odds in their favor.

Day after day, men grumbled and disapproved of his tactics, but his reputation as a leader and the fact that he traveled with his troops, experiencing all their hardships, may have been the only thing that prevented a mutiny.

April 21, 1836, the Texas Army surprised the Mexican Army at San Jacinto with the cries of “Remember the Alamo and Remember Goliad,” defeating Santa Anna in 18 minutes.

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future of Texas. Houston’s victory and subsequent exceptional leadership secured independence for The Republic of Texas, which lived nine years before entering the United States. *** Sam Houston served as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and governor and U.S. Senator after Texas became a state.

He was a man of conviction and was the only Southern governor who opposed secession, which resulted in the end of his political career.

Sam Houston Quotes “A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under.”

“The benefits of education and useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government.”

“Do right and risk the consequences.”

“Govern wisely, and as little as possible.”

“I humble myself before God, and there the list ends.”

“The Federal powers as defined are worth the union, but the moment that they cease to be limited to the objects to which they were designed, it will require a great political, if not a civil Revolution, to restore matters to a healthy Democratic state again.”

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“Rely upon yourselves when demagogues would mislead you. Maintain those reserved powers which are essential to preserve your liberties against centralization, and they will withstand the shock of centuries.”

“I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone.”

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President Abraham Lincoln

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) is one of the finest examples of the AmeriCAN-do spirit. His beginning gave him no advantage in pursuing his destiny. Lincoln’s record of achievement in fifty-six short years and his continuing influence on America is nothing short of remarkable.

Abe’s family was poor, and his mother died when he was nine years old. Fortunately, his stepmother contributed mightily to his development. His parents had no formal education, and Abraham had little more than they did. He possessed a desire to learn and an unquenchable thirst to read. His knowledge of the Bible may have come from it being the only or one of the few books he could get his hands on to read.

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Like others looking for his path in life, he held many bluecollar jobs. Abe’s understanding of how everyday people lived enhanced his leadership abilities and served the people better than career politicians with no private experience.

Despite his limited education, his desire to serve in the state legislature surprised most of those who knew him. After his initial defeat, he pursued a career in law to smooth his quest for political success. *** To say Lincoln’s career path was non-linear is one of the understatements of all time. Before practicing law full-time, his private jobs included being a rail splitter, storekeeper, militia service, postmaster, and county surveyor.

His path to the presidency is one of the most outstanding examples of persistence and one improbable to replicate today.

He failed in business at 22; lost an election for the legislature at 23; failed again in business at 24; won an election to the legislature at 25; suffered a nervous breakdown at 27; lost in a race for Speaker at 29; lost an election for Elector at 31; endured defeat in a race for Congress at 34; won election to Congress at 37; lost another race for Congress at 39; lost a race for the Senate at 46; lost running for Vice-President at 47; lost again in a race for the Senate at 49; and finally, found victory when elected President of the United States at 51 years of age. *** Lincoln’s political path followed the leadership of Henry Clay in the Whig Party, which advocated the abolition of slavery.

As the Whigs’ fortunes fell in the 1850s, a new party arose and became home to Lincoln: the Republican Party. Lincoln’s star 83

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continued to rise even as Democrat James Buchanan won the 1856 election.

The slavery issue, Lincoln’s rise, and the four presidential candidates in 1860 would be an inflection point that would change history forever. *** From before the founding of The United States, slavery was a significant issue that dominated politics increasingly leading up to the 1860 election. Four major candidates sought the office to lead the country. Abraham Lincoln led the Republicans, which promoted abolition and preserving the Union. Stephen Douglas led Democrats in promoting each state’s choice of path. John C. Breckenridge led the Southern Democrat’s pro-slavery position.

John Bell led the Constitutional Union party, which wanted to avoid the issue.

Division and history set the stage to determine the future. If anyone but Lincoln was elected, talk and disagreements would continue. Most felt a civil war would result if Lincoln were elected, and no one knew where that would lead the country.

Turnout exceeded any previous election, and Lincoln won with less than 40 percent of the electoral vote and the secondlowest popular vote in history.

Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of The United States, and Americans held their breath to see what would happen next. *** Division gripped the country, and it descended into the Civil War soon after Lincoln’s inauguration in March of 1861.

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financial crisis loomed. In 1862, his cabinet disagreed on many issues. His re-election in 1864 seemed improbable until the fortunes of war improved.

A victory in Gettysburg and splitting the Confederacy at Vicksburg brightened prospects for Lincoln and the Union. *** Throughout all his challenges, Lincoln endeavored in every action to preserve the Union, and every decision displayed the impact of this goal. He relentlessly pursued a course of action despite internal and external opposition and during difficult times in his personal life, including the loss of two sons before his assassination.

He accepted responsibility when mistakes occurred, and it revealed one of his finest leadership qualities. His willingness to lead when others looked to repudiate responsibility revealed his character. Generals and cabinet members knew he would not leave them to face failure alone and would give them credit for their successes. *** He won a hotly contested, four-way race for re-election in 1864 and guided the Union to victory in the war in April 1865.

He foretold his post-war plan in his second inaugural address, saying, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” He would not live to lead the restoration, but thankfully, 85

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the country healed despite harsher policies on the South during Reconstruction.

His perseverance and success in overcoming failure and adversity should be an example to us in our quest to achieve our goals. My late friend and motivational speaker, T. “Bubba” Bechtol, expressed it like this: “The secret of success in life is not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up.” Abraham Lincoln may be the definitive example of that expression. *** Too often, we focus on the differences in our country instead of the ties that bind us together. It is time for all of us to recommit to the closing words Abraham Lincoln spoke at the dedication of the military cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.

“This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

History will report if we resolve our differences, as well as those of our forebears, and ignite continued and ever-growing success for our descendants to enjoy.

Abraham Lincoln Quotes “That some achieve great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”

“I will prepare and someday my chance will come.”

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

“I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.”

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“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”

“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, and then stand firm.”

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

“A majority held in restraint by Constitutional checks and limitations is the only true sovereign of a free people.”

“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution that must be maintained for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.”

“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.”

“Behind the cloud the sun is still shining.”

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President Ulysses S. Grant

“In every battle, there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues in the attack wins.”

Fate’s seemingly insignificant twists occasionally change perceptions and history in manners unimaginable in the moments of their occurrence.

Can anyone visualize General or President Hiram Grant?

Yes, the person we know as General and President Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant (April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885).

Grant’s early life and education appear ordinary. Still, his father’s letter to Congressman Thomas Hamer asking for an appointment to West Point for Hiram laid the foundation for his life. His name changed forever when Hamer wrote Ulysses S. on 88

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the recommendation letter, taking the S from Grant’s mother’s maiden name.

Cadets called him Uncle Sam and soldiers later called him Unconditional Surrender Grant because he insisted on those terms from his opponents. *** Grant graduated from West Point in 1843 and served in the Army for eleven years, including combat in the Mexican American War. He demonstrated courage and competency in horsemanship, supply, and other areas. During that time, Grant married and began a family. He left the Army in 1854 to be with his family without anyone suspecting his impact on America’s future. *** The seven years between 1854 and his return to the Army in 1861 saw him fail at farming, clerking a store, selling real estate, and working in a customs house. His financial struggles would follow him throughout his life, causing hardships and stress but inspiring his memoirs, which continue to receive acclaim today. *** In 1861, town military recruiting meetings began nationwide after the attack on Fort Sumter, which started on April 12, 1861, thus beginning the American Civil War. Grant saw his duty and assisted as a civilian but resisted an immediate appointment as a captain, looking for the best opportunity for him to serve the cause. In August, he was appointed Brigadier General, which validated his prudence.

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Once again, fate intervened, positioning Grant in the right place at the right time to combine his experience, character, and the opportunity for the first time in his life to provide consistent, competent, and successful leadership in a place where it would benefit the country most. *** Grant was a man of action who focused on finding ways to achieve objectives rather than looking for excuses to avoid responsibility. Immediately after assuming command on September 2nd, Grant proceeded to take Paducah, Kentucky, Belmont, Mississippi, Ft. Henry, and Ft. Donelson, Tennessee.

His success earned him a promotion to Major General from President Lincoln, who longed for expert leadership but had seen less than he desired from his generals in the East.

Success continued to follow Grant’s leadership in 1862 in Tennessee, including the Battle of Shiloh. He joined the attack on Vicksburg, essential to splitting the Confederacy into two. He gained full command and secured victory on July 4, 1863, just after the major victory at Gettysburg the day before.

After additional victories, Grant was promoted to Commander of all Union Armies on March 2, 1864. He prosecuted the war aggressively, unlike his preceding generals, Scott, McClellan, and Halleck, to the delight of President Lincoln.

General Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, ended the war for all practical purposes. *** Grant’s leadership qualities were undeniable. He received the Republican party nomination for president in 1868, and his popularity in the North secured his election and re-election in 1872. Like all political leaders, we must judge them in the 90

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context of their time, not today. Leading a divided country postwar and during Reconstruction to reunite the nation and people was Grant’s utmost challenge, and one he faced and attacked like an opposing army.

During his presidency, he led the Reconstruction effort, which was harsher than envisioned by President Lincoln. He worked to secure the country’s financial security, though he never achieved personal financial freedom for his family.

Continuing issues with Native Americans eclipsed Grant’s foreign affairs efforts. The financial panic in 1873 caused the Republican loss of the House of Representatives, which led to constant efforts to stymie Grant’s initiatives and discredit his administration and personal reputation. *** After leaving Washington in 1877, Grant and his family toured the world for more than two years. An effort to return him to the presidency fell short in 1880, and Grant focused on private efforts to provide for his family, as almost all elected leaders in those days left office without financial freedom.

“Financial failure dogged Grant repeatedly, leaving him deeply in debt. Complicating his money issues, he learned he had cancer in 1884. Desperate to honor his debts and leave his family solvent, Grant accepted a better-than-market offer from Mark Twain to write his memoirs” (The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant).

The race to complete his memoirs before cancer conquered his life was on, and Grant worked ferociously to win one last time. He finished the manuscript on July 16 and passed away on July 23, 1885, knowing he had taken care of his family. *** 91

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Ulysses S. Grant overcame a modest beginning, periodic setbacks, and several periods where experience schooled him in preparation for his exceptional generalship during the Civil War and steady leadership during Reconstruction, reuniting the country.

Grant touched untold numbers of people during his life, he changed history’s trajectory, and his example continues to influence our country and people both today and into the future.

Ulysses Grant Quotes “No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.”

“I have never advocated war except as a means for peace.”

“The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most.”

“There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.”

“The distant rear of an army engaged is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.”

“I know of no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.”

“The will of the people is the best law.”

“The most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.”

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“Anything is better than indecision. We must decide. If I am wrong, we shall soon find out and can do the other thing.

But not to decide wastes both time and money and may ruin everything.”

“Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, accomplished.”

“Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”

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President Rutherford B. Hayes

“Let every man, every corporation, and especially let every village, town, and city, every county and State, get out of debt and keep out of debt. It is the debtor that is ruined by hard times.”

Rutherford B. Hayes (October 4, 1822 – January 17, 1893) is best known for winning the longest-contested Presidential election in U.S. history, but his life demonstrated his AmeriCANdo spirit long before that event.

Like so many others, Hayes’s early life concealed his later impact on American history. His father died ten weeks before his birth. Hayes’s mother never remarried and raised him and his sister alone, limiting him primarily to his mother’s younger brother for male influence.

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Rutherford received a classic education, achieving admittance into Harvard Law School and passing the Bar in 1845.

Over the next five years, Hayes practiced law, experienced health issues, and traveled, looking for his place in the world. His lack of accomplishments failed to foretell his future triumphs. *** Arriving in Cincinnati in 1850, fortune began to shine on Rutherford. He met and married his wife, Lucy, and had eight children. His law practice flourished, earning him invitations to seek political office, which he declined until he filled a city solicitor office. Hayes lost his 1861 election and returned to private practice.

Hayes’s attitude toward the South was lukewarm until Confederates fired upon Ft. Sumter. He quickly joined a Union volunteer company for Ohio and was promoted to Major in June 1861. *** Hayes’s legacy during his military service spanning the entire Civil War is his gallantry, leading from the front in several attacks and actions, and receiving multiple wounds and injuries.

His multiple promotions during the war saw him achieve the rank of Brigadier General and Brevetted Major General, indicating his exemplary service. General Grant praised Hayes for his bravery, highlighting his service in an army of courageous soldiers.

History demonstrates that challenges more significant than men make men bigger. Like others in this volume and series, Hayes illustrates that when circumstances demanded more, he rose and met the challenge head-on, growing to face more significant tests in the future.

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*** As the 1864 election approached, political leaders nominated Hayes for Congress. Refusing to leave his military duty, he pursued a letter-writing campaign, defeating a Democrat incumbent. Hayes successfully won re-election in 1866.

Hayes’s leadership effectiveness led others to persuade him to conduct a victorious campaign for governor in 1867 and reelection in 1869. He ran and lost a House campaign in 1872 but accepted the nomination and won another term as Governor of Ohio in 1875, setting the stage for the historic election of 1876. *** 1876’s election was unique as it took 115 days to resolve, and until the end, conventional wisdom held that the Governor of New York, Samuel Tilden, would emerge victorious. Rutherford B. Hayes’s relentless persistence in contesting the election on legal grounds should be an example of justice and the supremacy of the rule of law over the rule of man exerting power.

While contention reigned in the 2000 and 2020 elections, several unique characteristics occurred in 1876, including: 1. It took 115 days to resolve.

2. The extra-constitutional appointment of the Federal Election Commission significantly impacted the result.

3. The irregular admission of Colorado as a State changed the electoral math.

4. Disputes arose in Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, Vermont, and Oregon.

5. Democrats controlled the House of Representatives but lost the election.

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6. A deal to end enforcement of Reconstruction trumped all the negotiations and arguments, resulting in Hayes winning by one electoral vote just ahead of inauguration day.

The totality of the adversities Hayes overcame and his life experiences gave him the resolve to endure and overcome this rare challenge. *** Hayes pledged and honored his oath to serve one term as President. He endeavored to heal the nation from leftover war, hate, and anger from his election, saying, “He serves his party best who serves his country best.”

Hayes ending the hated Reconstruction in the South contributed to healing old wounds. His essential actions addressed currency and civil service, as well as Native American and railroad issues. *** Hayes’s devotion to serving his fellow citizens continued after his presidency. Americans can celebrate his can-do spirit, selflessness as a politician, integrity as a leader, and honorable conduct throughout his life.

Rutherford B. Hayes Quotes “Free government cannot long endure if property is largely in a few hands, and large masses of people are unable to earn homes, education, and a support in old age.”

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“The man who does that which avails in reforms or other good works always has clubs thrown at him. The nobodies are passed over in Silence, or with good natured unmeaning compliments after they leave high places.”

“The religion of the Bible is the best in the world. I see the infinite value of religion. Let it be always encouraged. A world of superstition and folly have grown up around its forms and ceremonies. But the truth in it is one of the deep sentiments in human nature.”

“Nothing brings out the lower traits of human nature like office-seeking. Men of good character and impulses are betrayed by it into all sorts of meanness.”

“Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier’s occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone.”

“The progress of society is mainly the improvement in the condition of the workingmen of the world.”

“To vote is like the payment of a debt, a duty never to be neglected, if its performance is possible.”

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Joshua Chamberlain

“The power of noble deeds is to be preserved and passed on to the future.”

Joshua Chamberlain (September 28, 1828 – February 24, 1914) had many talents. He was a professor from Maine, a trained theologian, and a man of words, but he had never trained to be a soldier. Unless you are a student of the American Civil War or saw the movie Gettysburg, you may not recognize his name.

Later, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Union Army.

He served as President of Bowdoin College and four terms as Governor of Maine.

On July 2nd, 1863, he found himself in the right place at the right time. As Brigadier General, he held great responsibility and made a courageous decision that may have won the Battle of Gettysburg for the Union.

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Lieutenant Colonel Chamberlain commanded the 20th Maine regiment. Their orders commanded them to hold the left flank of the Union line on that fateful day—the place, unknown then but renowned now: Little Round Top. If the Confederate troops had outflanked Chamberlain’s men, the results of the battle would have been catastrophic, and they might even have lost the war!

The Confederates advanced up the hill nine times. They inflicted numerous casualties on Chamberlain’s unit and suffered even more. But they bravely continued their advance. At one point, they progressed to within ten steps of the Union line. As both sides neared exhaustion of men, energy, and ammunition, Chamberlain knew his command faced mortal peril and that he must act with audacity, or all would be lost. Flight or surrender were not options for his consideration.

While preparing for the next withering attack, Chamberlain gave the order that no one on either side expected. Bayonet Charge!

The 20th Maine regiment stormed down the hill. They won the day and have been a legend to military historians since.

The valiant effort of the 20th Maine regiment saved the day for the Union on July 2nd, 1863, which set the stage for the victory at Gettysburg on July 3rd, Lincoln’s re-election in 1864, and the Union victory in 1865. In other words, it changed the history of The United States and all of us who followed.

Chamberlain’s leadership earned him lifetime respect from his soldiers, and General U. S. Grant presented him with General Robert E. Lee’s sword at the Appomattox Courthouse surrender on April 9th, 1865.

Chamberlain displayed courage, evidenced by a few men. He led with confidence. His valor changed his life forever and the lives of untold others.

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noble cause involving human interests wide and far enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before, and which they were not capable of alone. The consciousness of belonging, vitally to something beyond individuality; of being part of a personality that reaches we know not where, in space and in time, greatens the heart to the limits of the soul’s ideal.”1 His leadership and choice at a highly crucial moment has impacted the ages.

Joshua Chamberlain Quotes “In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… This is the great reward of service. To live far out and on, in the life of others; …to give life’s best for such high sake that it should be found again unto eternal life.”

“It is something great and greatening to cherish an ideal; to act in the light of the truth that is far-away and far above; to set aside the near advantage, the momentary pleasure; the snatching of seeming good to self; and to act for remoter ends, for the higher good, and for interests other than our own.”

“But we can hold our spirits and our bodies so pure and high, we may cherish such thoughts and such ideals, and dream such dreams of lofty purpose, that we can determine and know what manner of men we will be, whenever and wherever the hour strikes and calls to noble action.”

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the lower self. When duty and honor and love immortal things bid the mortal perish. It is only when a man supremely gives that he supremely finds.”

“I believe in a destiny – one, I mean, divinely appointed, and to which we are carried forward by a perfect trust in God. I do this, and I believe in it. I have laid plans, in my day, & good ones I thought. But they never succeeded. Something else, better, did, and I could see it as plain as day, that God had done it.”

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Theodore Roosevelt

“We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.”

Theodore Roosevelt’s (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) leadership bridged the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to influence us today. I include him in the 19th-century profiles because his AmeriCAN-do spirit and character formed during this era. He was a serious man of substance and constant activity and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. *** Roosevelt overcame many things: sickly health, building his physical strength, and the death of his mother and first wife on the same day. These things forged the spiritual fortitude that later

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served him when his beloved youngest son perished in World War I combat.

His early achievements included traveling west and buying a ranch where he hunted and lived as a cowboy. He served in the New York State Assembly as New York City Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Governor of New York.

Outside the presidency, he is most known as a Lt. Colonel in 1898, who courageously led the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry charge up San Juan (Kettle) Hill in Cuba. In his memoir, Rough Riders, as his unit was commonly known, he wrote of his “crowded hour.” It was a victory that would catapult his career, demonstrating that life-changing events often occur in short time increments and the benefit of being prepared when an opportunity presents itself. *** He believed when in doubt, action is always better than inaction. His perseverance in pursuing his ambitions and defying hardship by embracing new challenges led him to the vice presidency. He ascended to become the 26th President of the United States after President McKinley’s assassination. He served two terms.

As President, his administration’s “Square Deal” included creating five national parks, pursuing monopoly businesses (earning him the title of “trust buster”), and protecting consumers.

His international policy increased the size of the Navy, enabling the United States to expand its influence on the world and build the Panama Canal.

In 1912, Roosevelt ran for President as a third-party candidate in the Progressive Bull Moose Party. He was a force of personality who was shot in the chest during the campaign, but undeterred, he delivered his eighty-four-minute speech. Although he lost, 104

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he diverted enough votes from President Taft, which enabled Woodrow Wilson’s victory. *** Roosevelt barely survived an ambitious scientific exploration of the River of Doubt in Brazil in 1913-1914. Upon his return, he regularly provided his opinion on politics, dissatisfied with the leaders who followed him.

His youngest son Quentin’s death in 1918 further distressed him, most likely contributing to his early death in 1919. *** Roosevelt’s refusal to shoot a bear tied to a tree during a 1902 hunting trip led to a cartoon. That cartoon led Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner to create a stuffed toy bear that he named the “Teddy Bear” to honor Roosevelt. Countless children have received and played with teddy bears over the generations and to this day.

Theodore Roosevelt Quotes “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at.”

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

“There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.”

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“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

“It is better to be faithful than famous.”

“It is true of the Nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”

“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives.”

“Patriotism means to stand with the country. It does not mean to stand with the president.”

“I don’t pity any man who does hard work worth doing. I admire him. I pity the creature who does not work, at whichever end of the social scale he may regard himself as being.”

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Justice Joseph Story

“How easily men satisfy themselves that the Constitution is exactly what they wish it to be.”

Joseph Story (September 18, 1779 – September 10, 1845) was another giant during his life and continues to influence Americans today, but few know of or appreciate his impact on us.

He was born during the Revolutionary War in Massachusetts.

His father was a Patriot and a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Joseph experienced a first-class education, concluding with his admission to the Bar as an attorney. Destiny opened its door for him to impact history, and he maximized his opportunity.

Story’s professional life includes positions as a state legislator, state attorney, Congressman, lawyer, law teacher, and author of legal commentaries influencing the law and our country for generations.

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Despite the seriousness of his profession and vocational efforts, Story had a great sense of humor and believed he and others should exercise theirs daily.

President James Madison appointed Story to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1811, and he served for more than thirty years until he died in 1845. *** Family, education, and experience prepared Story to effectively serve on the court despite his being the youngest appointee as an associate justice, a record that still stands in 2024.

His belief in legal science led him to advocate the uniform application of law throughout the country. Story joined Chief Justice John Marshall in expanding federal power and American nationalism.

Story was a prolific writer of opinions and legal publications, which increased his impact on the court and country and its longevity in our society.

Story’s significant impact on the law protecting property rights continues to guard one of the most fundamental American rights, contributing to our citizens’ prosperity and liberty.

It is impressive that Story taught law at Harvard and authored legal commentaries simultaneously while serving on the Supreme Court, making him an early example of a multi-tasker.

The combination of his efforts above provided him with consistent contact with the average American citizen and added to his perspective on cases. *** The impact of Joseph Story’s life is known to legal scholars but felt by all Americans.

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His being the youngest person appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court illustrates it is never too soon to pursue and catch your dreams. His can-do attitude inspired his study and preparation to lead and serve others until the end of his life, and he is worthy of our emulation.

Joseph Story Quotes “A government, forever changing and changeable, is, indeed, in a state bordering upon anarchy and confusion.”

“Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people in order to betray them.”

“One of the ordinary modes, by which tyrants accomplish their purposes without resistance, is by disarming the people, and making it an offense to keep arms.”

“The law is a jealous mistress, and requires long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling favors, but by lavish homage.”

“There never has been a period of history, in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying at its foundation.”

“The First Amendment was not intended to withdraw the Christian religion as a whole from the protection of Congress.”

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“Human wisdom is the aggregate of all human experience, constantly accumulating, selecting, and reorganizing its own materials.”

“A good government implies two things; first, fidelity to the objects of the government; secondly, a knowledge of the means, by which those objects can be best attained.”

“And it is no less true, that personal security and private property rest entirely upon the wisdom, the stability, and the integrity of the courts of justice.”

“Men, to act with vigor and effect, must have time to mature measures, and judgment and experience, as to the best method of applying them. They must not be hurried on to their conclusions by the passions, or the fears of the multitude. They must deliberate, as well as resolve.”

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.”

The quote above is one of my favorites. It proposes, and it is 100% true, that every idea we acquire changes our lives and the lives of those we impact. And more astounding is the fact that we never know when or how that one unique idea we receive is the one that may change the future and history. Understanding the power of individual ideas to impact people positively across time should excite us and encourage our efforts to think and learn daily. We may never see the impact of our efforts, but we can trust it to be so because we can look back at those whose endeavors impact our lives today who never knew us or understood the generational effects of their life’s work.

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*** Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (March 8, 1841 – March 6, 1935) can be easily confused with his famous writer and physician father, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. His Boston birth and upbringing in a prosperous family placed him on a track to positively impact history early, and he worked with a grateful heart to repay his advantages to benefit others throughout his life.

Wendell, as his friends called him early in life, enlisted in the Massachusetts militia during his senior year at Harvard in 1861.

After graduating, he earned a commission in the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, where he saw combat in at least eight engagements and was wounded three times. Holmes left the Army in 1864 at the end of his enlistment. *** Like many, Holmes was unsure of his future at that time.

Writing poetry like his father interested him but would not fulfill his sense of duty to repay his life’s favor. His father discouraged him from following him into medicine. Then, his father encouraged him to enter the law but sometimes used negative motivation to inspire Oliver to maximize his accomplishments and effect on the future. It stressed their relationship but drove Oliver to exceptional results.

Holmes entered Harvard Law School but had yet to acquire the passion for the law that would make him one of American history’s most consequential Supreme Court justices. *** Upon graduation and admission to the Bar, Oliver began his fifteen-year legal practice. His growth in the legal field, writing essays and books, teaching law classes, and appointment to the 112

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state supreme court illustrate his belief in the power of ideas and continuous personal growth.

His lifelong learning efforts not only elevated his reputation as one of the most respected members of the legal profession but significantly impacted it. Holmes’s professional ascent produced his philosophies protecting free speech, the common law, and the deferral of the judicial to the legislative branch of government. *** Holmes impacted the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but his Supreme Court appointment arrived when President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him in 1902, where he served until 1932, retiring as the oldest Supreme Court justice in history.

Oliver’s deferral to the legislative branch stemmed from his belief judges interpreted laws based on the experience of their lives rather than logic. He probably would still defer to the legislative branch today, but his reason may be the apparent increase in politics in judicial decisions.

Holmes’s independent thinking led him to receive the nickname “The Great Dissenter” on the Supreme Court. His courage to think, encourage free speech, and speak and write dissenting opinions stretched the thinking of the other justices, the legal community, and all free-thinking citizens. *** Illustrating his love of learning, President Franklin Roosevelt asked him during a visit why he read Plato at 92 years old during his retirement. He famously replied he did so to improve his mind. What a powerful example for us to enrich and fulfill our lives!

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professor, author, and Massachusetts and United States Supreme Court Justice.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Quotes “Success is not the position where you are standing, but which direction you are going.”

“The only prize much cared for by the powerful is power.

The prize of the general is not a bigger tent, but command.”

“Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at the touch, nay, you may kick it about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening.”

“There is a little plant called reverence in the corner of my soul’s garden, which I love to have watered once a week.”

“Certainty generally is illusion, and repose is not the destiny of man.”

“I have no respect for the passion of equality, which seems to me merely idealizing envy – I don’t disparage envy but I don’t accept it as legitimately my master.”

“Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.”

“The history of what the law has been is necessary to the knowledge of what the law is.”

“Beware how you take away hope from another human being.”

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“The great act of faith is when a man decides he is not God.” “The best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.…That at any rate is the theory of our Constitution.”

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Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Many examples of the AmeriCAN-do spirit leave their mark on the world with their acts and physical creations. Although Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) acted by teaching and preaching, he is best remembered for his critical thinking, inspiring and influencing the thoughts of others from his time to ours and beyond.

Waldo, the name he chose for others to call him, lost his father when he was eight years old and was raised by his mother. He received a classic formal education, which revealed his literary talent. He further developed and displayed advanced intellectual

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thought and writing skills and graduated from college and divinity school at Harvard.

Emerson’s early career followed his father’s path as a pastor.

However, health issues, personal losses, and his growing nonconformist views led him to leave the church and travel far and wide, searching for knowledge and the answers to his seemingly limitless questions about life. He met and formed personal relationships with many of the famed philosophers of his day, advancing his development and principles. Emerson’s foundation shifted from a theological to a scientific foundation. *** After returning to America, Emerson seized the opportunity to join the growing lecture circuit, eventually making over 1,500 presentations, many of which inspired his writings. Some of his most famous essays include “Self-Reliance”, “The OverSoul”, “Circles”, “The Poet”, and “Experience”. Waldo continued to expand his network of thinkers, eventually forming the Transcendental Club to further promote individual development.

Always the individualist, Emerson presented his views to inspire his audiences to search for their own answers rather than blindly adopting his positions. The ability to discern between alternatives and think deeply is as essential today as ever but was not treated as equally in Emerson’s day. Knowing why we believe something is as important as knowing what we believe. *** Emerson began publicly speaking against slavery almost twenty years before the beginning of the Civil War and vocally denounced it until its end in 1865. His views on race and remedying slavery evolved over time but only in degrees and not in the primary position of its injustice on humans, regardless of 117

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where it existed, or the characteristics of the group or individuals enslaved. *** Emerson’s health declined significantly in his later years, limiting his travel, voice, writing, and thinking. The failure of his memory further restricted his abilities, leading to his departure from life’s stage.

Ralph Waldo Emerson touched on and continues to influence people through his activities as an author, poet, philosopher, pastor, teacher, lecturer, and abolitionist. His words inspire us to think more, do more, be more, and serve more than we believe we can do, and in the process, follow his example, leaving this world a better place than we inherited.

If Emerson has not touched your life yet, I hope this profile will introduce his wisdom to you, and it will positively impact your future.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”

“A great man is always willing to be little.”

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

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“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”

“Let us be silent, that we may hear the whisper of God.” “Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success.

When you do a thing, do it with all of your might.”

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

“The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.”

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

“Live well, learn plenty, laugh often, love much.”

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

“Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”

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Innovators

Francis Scott Key sees “our flag was still there” in Baltimore Harbor - 1814 Writes The Star-Spangled Banner

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

—Jane Goodall “Don’t go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Francis Bellamy

“(The Pledge was) born out of my own love of the flag and for all the lofty Americanism it represented.”

Though the flag is worn as a shoulder patch on uniforms today instead of flying in the hands of a soldier during a charge, it still represents the shared values of AmeriCANS across time.

It can be easy to take the flag for granted when we see it as we go about our daily routines, but seeing it while traveling abroad can bring a sense of pride, safety, and home to every patriot.

Schoolchildren reciting the pledge daily instilled a love of country and what the flag represented from generation to generation. It is a practice that should be continued or resumed. ***

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Francis Bellamy (May 18, 1855 – August 28, 1931) is known for one thing and one thing only, but his contribution to our lives and country is a monumental achievement worthy of remembering.

His father was a Baptist minister, so Francis followed his father into the ministry and after completing his formal education. Francis’s heart loved his country, and he sought to serve his fellow citizens.

To supplement his income, he took a job in 1891 with The Youth’s Companion magazine, working with James B. Upham who, in 1888, had begun a subscription promotion aimed at installing a United States flag in every school in the country.

In 1892, Upham thought tying the flag promotion program to the 400th-anniversary celebration of Christopher Columbus discovering the Americas would reinvigorate the flag promotion’s lagging sales. He instructed Bellamy to write a pledge that school children would recite, saluting the flag for the event.

As is too often the case in a writer’s life, the deadline approached, and Bellamy still needed to complete his assignment.

Francis experienced the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” when he faced his immovable deadline to produce the salute. Unable to further delay the task, Francis composed the original pledge in one evening. His love of country demanded the pledge to include allegiance, and his views on the separation of church and state omitted reference to God. Bellamy’s final pledge was concise, easy to remember, and flowed smoothly when recited.

The Youth’s Companion first published the pledge on September 8, 1892. It complemented the flag campaign, and thousands of students recited it during the Columbus Day celebration that year. The reception of the pledge was enthusiastic. Over the years modifications occurred, but Congress did not officially adopt it as part of the flag code until 1942.

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*** Francis continued to advocate for public schools, and his socialist views resulted in his leaving the ministry for jobs in various fields, including the advertising industry. His later accomplishments never equaled authoring The Pledge of Allegiance, an impactful achievement that continues to contribute to history and our lives.

Francis Bellamy’s life demonstrates it is impossible to know when, what, or who will create something that impacts so many people over time, but living a life serving others, learning, and persistently working places us in the position to live our most fulfilling lives and positively influence others.

Francis Bellamy Quotes “I pledge Allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” – Francis Bellamy’s original Pledge “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” – Current pledge as last amended in 1954

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George Washington Carver

“It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, not the amount of money one has in the bank, that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success.”

George Washington Carver (1864 – January 5, 1943) is another AmeriCAN who lived and directly impacted two centuries. I include him in the 19th century because it is the period in which he planted the seeds of his success (no pun intended) and developed his character.

George was born into slavery but never knew his birthdate or year. His father died before his birth, and marauders split his family after kidnapping his mother, sister, and himself with only George being returned. After emancipation, Moses and Susan Carver, his former owners, raised George and his brother.

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He began as George, added Carver from his owners, and later Washington after another George Carver showed up in town.

Susan Carver taught George to read and write. His first teacher, Mariah Watkins, taught him to be a life-long learner and to return his knowledge to help others. Watkins is an example we should follow in developing our skills and returning the favor to those coming behind us. We may never see all the fruit of our labor, but we should trust Providence that our efforts will leave the world better than when we entered it.

George’s education progressed in a non-linear path, combined with working various jobs. Carver and Watkins contributed to his interest and knowledge in the botanical world. He finally completed high school in his late 20s. *** The first college to accept him denied his admission when he arrived because of his race. Responding to adversity positively, George homesteaded land, planting food crops to make a living, and began his scientific road to benefit the food supply of generations.

The Milholland family encouraged persistence in his pursuit of a college degree, and he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural science from Iowa State University, the first African American to do so. The Milholland family’s encouragement of George exemplifies the greatest gift we can give others. We never know the full impact a brief word of encouragement may have on an individual and the world. *** Booker T. Washington recruited Carver to the Tuskegee Institute in 1896. Carver dedicated his work to improving the lives of African Americans and Southern agriculture and, in 125

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doing so, realized fame. Still, more importantly, he positively impacted legions of people past, present, and future.

Carver is most remembered for encouraging the planting of peanuts and soybeans to renew soils damaged by the excessive dedication to producing cotton. His impact on agriculture and America is vastly broader and deeper than influencing the production of peanuts, including combating boll weevils and managing better soil usage from rotating crops.

Ever the servant leader, Carver, who never married, donated a large sum to Tuskegee to benefit future generations after his passing.

George Washington Carver’s life exhibited his philosophy that each of us should leave evidence of our time in the world by our actions. Born into slavery, his AmeriCAN-do spirit, positive attitude, faith, and relentless persistence earned him various accomplishments as a scientist, inventor, and teacher.

The 8 Rules George Washington Carver lived by 1. Be clean both inside and out.

2. Neither look up to the rich nor down on the poor.

3. Lose if need be, without squealing.

4. Win without bragging.

5. Always be considerate of women, children, and older people.

6. Be too brave to lie.

7. Be too generous to cheat.

8. Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.

George Washington Carver Quotes “There is no shortcut to achievement.”

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“Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

“I know of nothing more inspiring than that of making discoveries for ones self.”

“My purpose alone must be God’s purpose.”

“I love to think of nature as unlimited broadcasting stations, through which God speaks to us every day, every hour and every moment of our lives, if we will only tune in and remain so.”

“Education, in the broadest of truest sense, will make an individual seek to help all people, regardless of race, regardless of color, regardless of condition.”

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”

“When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”

“No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.”

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Rebecca Lee Crumpler

“I early conceived a liking for and sought every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of others.”

Unfortunately, no known images of Rebecca Lee Crumpler (February 8, 1831- March 9, 1895) exist today. She certainly deserves better than a photo of her tombstone, added in 2020 to her resting place, testifying to her life. *** We never know what experiences may lead to our destiny or how early we may find it, which is why participating in a variety of activities early in life is beneficial in itself. Doing so may even reveal our gifts, enabling us to serve others earlier and impact far greater numbers and further into the future.

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*** When Rebecca entered this world, there were few opportunities for African American females outside of domestic service. She grew up living with an aunt in Pennsylvania who provided medical care to neighbors in addition to her other duties. Rebecca often assisted her and discovered she liked helping heal people, and her aunt recognized her gift for doing so.

The next time history reveals Rebecca, she is married and living in Massachusetts, where she worked as a nurse for eight years. Leaders recognized her talent and passion for serving people.

Her supervising physician recommended her for admission to medical school at the New England Female Medical School in 1860. In that year, there were 54,000 plus physicians in the United States. Only 300 of them were women, and none were African Americans.

In 1864, Rebecca graduated and was certified as the first African American female doctor in the United States. She married Arthur Crumpler in 1865 after her first husband died.

Rebecca practiced medicine in Boston before moving to Virginia, which enabled her to practice medicine and do missionary service at the Freedman’s Bureau, which served the African American population. She often experienced racism and sexism from doctors, pharmacies, and others. Later, she returned to Boston to continue serving black women and children.

Not content with practicing medicine, Rebecca taught in multiple schools beginning in the 1870s, authored A Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts in 1883, and served her local church.

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admiration. Her service as a doctor, teacher, author, and woman of faith demonstrated her AmeriCAN-do spirit, persistence during adversity, and patience to complete interim requirements before achieving her dreams. Her example of selflessly serving others resulted in a well-lived life.

She is also an example of the norms of the period where all people focused more on doing the work and accomplishing the objectives than publicizing their activities. It is one reason most of their stories understate their achievements, leaving us with too little information to properly thank them for their actions, which benefit us and the future.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler Quotes “Selfish prudence is too often allowed to come between duty and human life.”

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Thomas Alva Edison

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

We take electricity and our innumerable uses of its necessities for granted today and expect its appearance at our command 100% of the time without fail. Anxiety and uncertainty enter our spirit when we lose power for even a few moments. How long will the power be off? How will we get along without it? In the grand scheme of life, we have only had electric power for a short period of time, but we cannot foresee living without it even for an instant.

We owe Thomas Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) our appreciation for many things beyond harnessing electricity and inventing the electric light bulb. Still, it is the first thing we most identify with him.

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*** Edison grew up in Port Huron, Michigan. A hearing deficiency limited recognition of his intelligence and limited his formal education. His thirst for knowledge appeared early, and he gained wisdom by reading extensively and conducting a vast number of experiments to quench his curiosity. These experiments did not always succeed. His mechanical and manufacturing abilities complimented his creative skills, contributing to his prolific production.

As he was known well into adulthood, Alva also gained practical experience early and through several jobs. At only seven years of age, he worked in a lighthouse. Fascinated with new technology, Edison left school at twelve to work on the railroad.

He soon learned to operate the telegraph, which supplied vital and timely information, improving rail operations and other communications.

As is so often the case in life, Edison’s success in improving the telegraph fed his desire to invent and create, opening his move to New York and eventually establishing the Edison Labs in the Menlo Park neighborhood of New Jersey. *** Edison’s work never ended. He secured 1,093 patents in various fields that still have an impact on our lives every day.

The most recognizable ones include the electric light bulb, phonograph, motion picture camera, cement, batteries, and mining operations. His hearing loss influenced the pursuit and development of many of his inventions.

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perseverance. Their love of science, without the addiction to government funding and its resulting distortion of results, shows us what is possible if we pursue progress with pure hearts and trust God with the results.

Edison’s team worked on multiple projects simultaneously.

They briefly celebrated accomplishments and then quickly returned to solving the next problem and achieving additional earth-changing objectives. *** By the 1880s, Edison left Menlo Park and returned to New York to be closer to his business development of electrifying the city and establishing the template for lighting the country. In 1887, he moved his lab to West Orange, New Jersey, where he operated for the remainder of his life.

Inventing solutions to improve life was Edison’s passion, but the time demand for the commercialization of electric light and power through the Edison Electric Light Company, the phonograph through The Edison Speaking Phonograph Company, and other creations reduced his creative efforts. *** The following excerpt from Conquering Life’s Course: Common Sense in Chaotic Times speaks of Edison’s perseverance: “He did not invent the electric light bulb or any other of his many inventions on the first try. In fact, it took him hundreds of failures to determine the proper combination of materials to create a successful bulb. Did he look at the unsuccessful attempts as failures? No, he viewed them as successfully finding ways not to accomplish that goal.

His attitude and persistence in inventing solutions to improve lives made him successful.”

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He summarized his relentless efforts, saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” *** Edison is an excellent example of Western civilization’s work ethic. He was always thinking, always working, and always striving to improve life for himself and others, but he never quit on an idea once it inspired his mind.

Thomas Edison Quotes “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.”

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

“Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.”

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.”

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

“I’ve never made a mistake. I’ve only learned from experience.”

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“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”

“Time is really the only capital that any human being has and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.”

“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”

“The best thinking has been done in solitude. The worst has been done in turmoil.”

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

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Francis Scott Key

“O! Say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free And the home of the brave.”

“Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?”

Most know the song. Some know the author. Few know the story.

It is fascinating how often Providence trumps individual intentions to make history, and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States, is undoubtedly one of those events more glorious than any Hollywood production.

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Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) was an attorney who traveled to Baltimore seeking to secure the release of an American under British captivity during the War of 1812, which he vocally opposed. Little did he know the stars were aligning and his destiny would soon arrive. *** Like so many other notable individuals, Francis’s early life did not foretell his life’s most significant contribution to our world. His contemporaries would never expect him to write what became our patriotic anthem.

Fortunately, he was born into an affluent family, which enabled him to earn a law degree at a prestigious school. He had also considered entering the priesthood earlier in life, and his faith was evident in his daily activities.

Key passed the Bar in 1801, set up his legal practice in the Georgetown section of Washington D.C., and his legal skills earned him respect amongst his profession and with the people. *** Key’s faith led him to oppose and speak against the war with Britain in 1812, joining many of the population. Despite his opposition, he was outraged when the British burned the White House, the Capitol, and other buildings.

Leaving the capitol, the British proceeded toward Baltimore, intent on destroying it and all who stood in their way. *** Key was sent to Baltimore to seek the release of his friend, William Beanes. He succeeded in his objective, with the condition that he and his companions would only leave the ship after the British attack.

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British officers told Key the war would soon be over when Ft. McHenry lowered its flag in surrender to the greatest navy in the world.

On September 13, 1814, the British began the furious bombardment of Ft. McHenry, which guarded Baltimore’s harbor. Hour after hour, canons continuously pummeled the fort.

The detained Americans watched in despair as their countrymen suffered, unable to stop the barrage. As the night wore on, no one on the ship believed the Americans would survive the night.

Darkness and smoke made it difficult to see the flag.

As morning broke, Key and the others strained their eyes to see the fort, hoping against hope that the flag still stood in resistance to the bombardment.

As the morning sun’s glare overcame the smoke around the ship and McHenry, Key saw what he never thought he would: the giant American flag still waved! The fort and Americans still protected Baltimore! Key and his friends were overjoyed, and their British captors were shocked.

Key recognized the hand of Providence and was filled with inspiration. Before leaving the British ship, he began writing the poem honoring his countrymen, which became our national anthem.

For anyone who loves the United States, the concluding line, “land of the free and the home of the brave,” brings goosebumps.

Knowing the story of those who sacrificed for our country, it commemorates and deserves more appreciation from us, which will make us honor them and the song even more. *** Key wrote additional material, but The Star-Spangled Banner is his only surviving work. His involvement in Washington’s legal and political activities included advising presidents. He passed into eternity in 1843, leaving his wife and eleven children.

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Congress finally honored its unique creation and adopted the Star-Spangled Banner as our national anthem in 1931. Opponents argue it glorifies war, but that misses its meaning. The poem and song, written by an anti-war advocate, honor those who sacrifice their comfort and lives to serve and protect their fellow citizens.

It humbly thanks Providence for our freedom.

From its beginning, today, and every time it plays in the future, our national anthem reminds us of our predecessors and those who followed who enabled us to enjoy our liberty today. *** So, the next time you hear The Star-Spangled Banner played, I hope you stand proudly and gratefully appreciating its history and inform and encourage generations who follow us why they should continue the tradition.

Francis Scott Key Quotes “The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness.”

“May I always hear that you are following the guidance of that blessed Spirit that will lead you into all truth, leaning on that Almighty arm that has been extended to deliver you, trusting only in the only Savior, and going on in your way to Him rejoicing.”

“I do not believe there are any new objections to be discovered to the truth of Christianity. Men may argue ingeniously against our faith, but what can they say in defense of their own?”

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Theodore Judah and Gen. Grenville M. Dodge Two men, forgotten to history, dreamed big and dared to connect the West to the East by rail in the mid-19th century.

One inspired its beginning but didn’t see its realization.

The other, delayed by war, saw the fruit of his vision and the beginning of the golden age of rail travel and transport. They both were men of action rather than words, which explains the lack of profound quotes they left to posterity. We are fortunate that the inspiration that sparked their imaginations also spurred them to act and light the fire of enthusiasm in others, changing the future for America and those who followed them.

Theodore Judah

Theodore Judah (March 4, 1826 - November 2, 1863) appeared destined early to dedicate his life to engineering railroads, but no one expected he would change history.

Born, educated, and earning his initial experience building railroads in the East, he followed his brother west in 1854 to help build a line from Sacramento to San Francisco.

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While working on other projects to expand transportation in California in the late 1850s, Judah dreamed of railroad travel over the mountains eastward, eventually connecting the country from the first light of day at sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean to the last light of day at sunset on the Pacific. His passion was boundless, and the project was so large that people nicknamed him “Crazy Judah” for his enthusiasm for a near-impossible dream.

Judah traveled to Washington multiple times, searching for leaders who would adopt his vision and for government assistance to bring it to life. In 1860, he proclaimed his discovery of a practical route through the Sierra Nevada. In 1861, Judah persuaded Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, and Collis P. Huntington to join him in creating the Central Pacific Railroad.

The Civil War aided and delayed the creation of the transcontinental railroad. The United States government’s focus and finances were prioritized to preserve the Union. However, the absence of the states in the Confederate States of America eliminated objections to the project, which added to President Abraham Lincoln’s support and resulted in the 1862 Pacific Railroad Act. The legislation funded and set in motion a competition or race between Judah’s Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento Eastward and the Union Pacific created in the law and beginning in Council Bluffs, Iowa, heading westward by presidential decree in 1864. The two companies were paid in land grants and cash by the mile of track laid, and they controlled the right of way for the distances they built. The location where the two lines would connect was left unspecified, which motivated each company to forgo standard business practices and employ all means to build as much track as possible to secure the most extensive territory for their future operations.

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line. Judah left California and traveled to New York to secure financing to buy out his investors instead, but he died of yellow fever contracted during the journey before resolving the impasse.

Theodore Judah left his dream for others to fulfill, which required additional people with the AmeriCAN-do spirit, as all great achievements require.

General Grenville M. Dodge

On the country’s eastern side, one man would rise for the race and build the Union Pacific railroad.

General Grenville M. Dodge (April 12, 1831 – January 3, 1916) was born in Massachusetts and exhibited surveying and engineering skills early in his life.

He attended Norwich University and joined the military at age eighteen.

Dodge possessed a self-confidence that was described by others as cockiness. While in school, he caught the dream of a transcontinental railway and studied hard, preparing him to make his dream a reality.

After graduation, Dodge migrated out west, married, and worked as a surveyor, railroad builder, and land speculator, eventually settling in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dodge joined and rose in leadership in an Iowa military unit, eventually joining the United States Army at the beginning of the Civil War. He courageously served his country in several vital actions, remaining in the military until 1866, deferring the pursuit of his dream.

His service and reputation resulted in Generals Sherman and Grant endorsing him as Chief Engineer for the Union Pacific railroad, which he joined in progress. His leadership resulted in the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways meeting in a monumental driving of the Golden Spike, and shaking hands 142

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with Samuel S. Montague, Chief Engineer of the Central Pacific railroad, at Promontory Point in Utah on May 10, 1869.

Not satisfied with his railroad responsibility, Dodge ran and served in Congress from 1867 – 1869. He continued building railroads and serving the public throughout his life, another excellent example of the AmeriCAN-do spirit.

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Dwight L. (D. L.) Moody

“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me.”

Born into a poor family and losing his father when he was four years old, Dwight L. (D.L.) Moody (February 5, 1837 – December 22, 1899) is a wonderful example of someone dedicating himself to serving God and others instead of himself with the AmeriCAN-do spirit.

His father’s death left his mother with nine children after twins were born a month after their father’s passing. Little evidence exists of Moody receiving any formal education, but his mother faithfully sent the children to church. ***

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Moody moved to Boston at seventeen to work as a shoe salesman for his uncle. Once again, his family’s example and influence led him to attend church, where learning of God’s love for him led to his conversion to evangelical Christianity.

Unlike others who attend seminary and earn credentials to preach and teach, Moody followed his heart, joining a church and teaching a Sunday School class where he had to recruit its members. He grew as he went, resulting in a humble heart willing to learn from his errors and change as needed to reach and touch more people. *** D.L. made numerous trips to the battlefields to console injured soldiers during the Civil War. His slowly growing audience led to him opening a church in Chicago in 1864, which burned in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Moody grew in Biblical knowledge and competency to serve God, spending extended periods in Great Britain, where his impact and reputation grew faster than in America. He listened to Charles Spurgeon preach (who also lacked formal training as a pastor). Additionally, the boxer turned evangelist, Harry Moorhouse, inspired and instructed Moody on how to preach from the Bible and love sinners to God, increasing the reach of his efforts. *** A profound spiritual experience back in New York filled his heart, leading to his prioritizing the conversion of souls. Like Jesus’ experience with the Jewish leaders, ordained ministers were skeptical of his motives and competency. They searched in vain for his plan to make money but didn’t find what wasn’t there.

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Moody did not debate theology but quoted Scripture, relying on it to defend itself.

Moody’s obsession with saving souls led to his relentless work effort, which directed him to travel anywhere he found willing ears to listen to his message. His lack of formal ministerial training showed that you do not have to be an expert or have formal training to affect people positively.

His humility enabled him to be a lifelong learner, increasing his guidance on the depth and breadth of people’s spirits. His efforts were never about him but about bringing people to God. D.L. Moody touched millions of lives during his lifetime and continues to influence untold numbers today. After the Chicago Fire, his church was rebuilt and renamed The Chicago Avenue Church. In 1889, he began the Chicago Bible Institute.

Ten years after Moody’s passing, the church was renamed The Moody Church, and the Institute was renamed The Moody Bible Institute in his honor. *** The combination of his informal training, humble attitude, constant learning, and relentless work defined his character and earned his reputation. They enabled him to improve, impact, and guide others beyond his lifetime. Many people today can trace their spiritual faith to his influence.

As my pastor described him, he picked himself up by his bootstraps and lived an AmeriCAN-do lifetime worthy of our admiration.

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Dwight L. Moody Quotes “Faith makes all things possible...Love makes all things easy.”

“Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody; forty years learning he was nobody; and forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody.”

“There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do the little things.”

“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”

“The impression that a praying mother leaves upon her children is life-long. Perhaps when you are dead and gone, your prayer will be answered.”

“The Scriptures are given not to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”

“God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”

“A good example is far better than a good precept.”

“Preparation for old age should begin not later than one’s teens. A life which is empty of purpose till 65 will not suddenly become filled upon retirement.”

“Character is what a man is in the dark.”

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Red Cloud

“They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they kept only one; they promised to take our land, and they did.”

We remember Red Cloud (c. 1822 – December 10, 1909) not for his birthright or the material empire he left behind but for the impact of his leadership on Native Americans and the expansion into the American West.

His parents passed before he reached school age, but as custom dictated, his mother’s family raised him as all boys were raised: to live an independent life as their ancestors had for centuries. He learned to survive on the plains by hunting, utilizing the resources provided by the land, and fighting to establish his reputation as a great warrior.

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As time progressed, Red Cloud earned leadership opportunities and responsibility because of his actions, not words. His Oglala Lakota tribe elected him Chief at a time when white settlers poured into their ancestral lands, threatening the end of their lives and lifestyles. *** Before Custer and The Little Bighorn battle, Red Cloud led the Oglala Lakota tribe to the only victory over the American Army at the Fetterman fight in 1866, where eighty-one soldiers perished. Additional skirmishes led the campaign to earn the name Red Cloud’s War. Red Cloud joined other tribes and was last to sign the Treaty of Laramie in 1868, only after the army withdrew from the forts within the land promised to the Native Americans.

The government created the Red Cloud agency, a forerunner of the Sioux reservation, to supply and support Native Americans living under the treaty. Fewer supplies were delivered than expected, and less than the tribes could supply themselves living in freedom.

Yes, Red Cloud was skeptical of the promises made to the tribes. And yes, history proved his skepticism was warranted. *** The discovery of gold in the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1874 led to wholesale violations of whites invading native lands despite Red Cloud and tribal leaders’ appeal to Washington to respect and enforce the Laramie treaty. The failed peace negotiations led to war in 1876, with the massacre of Custer and his command the most famous event.

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Red Cloud did not participate in the war, recognizing the Americans’ inevitable victory and his responsibility to lead his tribe to adapt as best they could to a new way of life. *** Red Cloud led his people into the 1880s and continued advocating for them after passing his responsibility to the next generation.

He and his wife were baptized as Christians and took the names John and Mary before his passing in 1909.

Red Cloud outlived most of his time’s tribal leaders, and many credit him as the most photographed Native American of the 19th century. *** Red Cloud, like other Native American leaders, practiced servant leadership. They appreciated their ancestors and took the responsibility for preserving and extending their way of life seriously. Their egos were also limited by the lack of temptations we face today. With rare exceptions, their character would have shielded the most successful of them from worldly distractions.

Like many of his contemporaries, Red Cloud lived a life as an example worthy of our emulation. Honor was paramount to him, and he was a trustworthy man of his word.

Red Cloud Quotes “When I was a young man, I was poor. In a war with other nations, I was in eighty-seven fights. There, I received my name and was made Chief of my nation. But now I am old and am for peace.”

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“We do not want riches; we want peace and love.”

“Even if you live forty or fifty years in this world, and then die, you cannot take all your goods with you.

“The Great Spirit will not make me suffer because I am ignorant. He will put me in a place where I shall be better off than in this world.”

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Frederick Douglass

“You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed.”

Frederick Douglass was one of the most famous African Americans of the 19th century. Like many others in his time, he (February 14, 1818 – February 20, 1895) didn’t know his actual birth date but chose to celebrate it on February 14th.

It is difficult for us to imagine his beginning. Frederick was born into slavery and separated from his mother early in life.

Douglass never knew his white father and spent his early years with his maternal grandparents. Despite being traded from owner to owner, he procured bits of education from his owner’s families and young white people he encountered. Teaching enslaved people to read and write was contentious, adding to

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its importance as a foundation for his future and continuing influence on our lives.

Searching for meaning in and of life, Frederick listened to Christian preachers and combined learning to read with studying the Bible. His heart responded to the messages of love, grace, and redemption, leading to his conversion to Christianity as a teen, which prepared the way for his influence on the world. *** After at least one failed attempt, Douglass successfully escaped slavery and fled to New York in 1838. Fearful of capture and suffering a forced return to his owner, he changed his name to Johnson to elude men who profited from catching and returning slaves to their bondage.

Frederick married, settled in Massachusetts, and again changed his name, this time to Douglass, which he retained for the rest of his life. He quickly became active in the abolitionist movement and earned his license as a preacher. Both activities contributed to his growing skills as a speaker and thinker on the issues of the day. His voracious appetite for reading and life-long learning further added to his ability to speak publicly and debate ideas with anyone.

Fearful that his increasing public profile would lead his owner to capture him and return him to his previous life as an enslaved man, Douglass heeded the advice of his friends to leave the country and travel to the British Isles. His trip provided new places to preach his messages and learn from Britain’s experiences with slavery. A small group of British citizens collected funds and eventually purchased his “legal” freedom, eliminating the risk of capture and a forcible return to his past life.

After a two-year tour of the British Isles, where he communicated the abolitionist message, Frederick returned to America and his family to begin a newspaper that provided him 153

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with a regular platform for his advocacy. At the same time, he continued speaking publicly about abolishing slavery.

Not limited to words, Frederick practiced what he preached.

He protested and refused segregationist seating on public transportation, consulted with influential leaders who could advance his cause, and took leadership roles in organizations that supported abolition.

As the Civil War approached, he also joined anti-slavery societies, combining his mission to abolish slavery with providing an income for his family. *** Frederick Douglass worked relentlessly to abolish slavery, gain civil rights for African Americans, and promote women’s rights throughout his life.

He authored three autobiographies among his writings. His first publication, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, is still his best-known work.

Douglass traveled and spoke to audiences across America and in many foreign nations. His messages were respected and admired, and in 1888, he was the first African American to receive a vote in a national political convention for president.

He served President William Henry Harrison as a minister to Haiti and even constructed a housing project that is still in use today. *** Douglass looked at opportunities instead of focusing on the obstacles. His efforts spanned many fields and included being an author, abolitionist, orator, newspaper publisher, businessman, and statesman.

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Frederick understood the impact of pictures from the relatively new photography technology and was the most photographed American of his time. He purposely did not smile to prevent misinterpretation of his attitude but posed with a strictly serious face, looking directly at the camera.

His life demonstrated his AmeriCAN-do spirit, which positively impacted people during his life and continues to influence us today. The example he set with his positive attitude, courage, action, principle, overcoming adversity, and serving others established a legacy deserving our emulation and appreciation.

Honors and awards began during Frederick Douglass’s life and continue today, deservedly keeping his memory and achievements alive.

Frederick Douglass Quotes “I did not know I was a slave until I found out I couldn’t do the things I wanted.”

“The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose.”

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will.”

“To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.”

“Right is of no sex, truth is of no color, God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.”

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“Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitude.”

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

“Our destiny is largely in our hands.”

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

“Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.”

“Experience is a keen teacher.”

“A man’s rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.”

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James Naismith

“In basketball, as in life, it is not always the team with the most talent that wins, but the team that works together the best.”

Watching the spectacle of today’s basketball games played in arenas resembling palaces, on pristine courts, using stateof-the-art equipment, and by athletes whose skills are beyond the imagination of previous generations of players and fans, it is hard to believe the game’s humble beginnings not so long ago.

From the moment one walks into a gym or arena, the smells of popcorn and hotdogs, the noise of the crowd cheering for their team, and the sights of spotlights on the court and subdued lighting off the court create a unique atmosphere, increasing the excitement of players and fans alike.

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Play during today’s games progresses at speeds unthinkable in the early days. Momentum ebbs and flows from high-arching three-point shots, breakaway gravity-defying slam-dunks, and monster shot blocks from the first center-court jump ball to the heart-stopping buzzer-beater for a last-second win.

It has not always been the game we see today.

A long-forgotten leader of the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891, asked James Naismith (November 6, 1861 – November 28, 1939) to create a game promoting exercise in the bitterly cold winter months in New England.

Naismith was Canadian-born but eventually earned his American citizenship. He loved sports growing up, and his success led to a career in teaching physical education.

Creating basketball, Naismith combined features of games including football, soccer, and field hockey, but prohibited contact to minimize injuries. For many years, minimal contact resulted in fouls penalizing players, but today’s game includes unpenalized contact Naismith could not conceive.

Two half-bushel peach baskets served as goals secured against a pole. The original goals did not have a net, which required a ladder to retrieve the ball when players scored the infrequent goals.

He wrote thirteen original rules, including nine players per side and restricting running. The game began as a slow-paced, low-scoring contest highlighting teamwork, passing, and pre-set plays.

Thankfully, basketball changed, which increased physical exertion, player and fan excitement, and the recognition of the life lessons the game provides players long after they stop playing it.

The game grew faster than all expectations. Recognizing the game’s benefit and marketing opportunity, the YMCA promoted basketball globally. By 1904, the Olympics demonstrated the 158

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game, and it became an official event in 1936.

Naismith founded the basketball program at The University of Kansas, whose tradition of success continues today. He spent his lifetime promoting and encouraging the development of basketball, mentoring coaches, and seeing national organizations created to promote the game.

Most importantly, Naismith viewed basketball as a vehicle to teach life skills and change individual lives, which continues to impact teams, schools, businesses, and, therefore, our country today and beyond the foreseeable future.

While other sports originated in different countries and cultures, basketball is genuinely an All-AmeriCAN game!

James Naismith Quotes “The key to success in basketball, as in life, is to stay focused and never give up.”

“The true value of sports lies not in winning, but in the lessons it teaches us about discipline and determination.”

“The act of playing a game is a powerful tool for teaching us how to handle both victory and defeat.”

“The true measure of a successful team is not just their winloss record, but the character and sportsmanship they display.”

“Great teams are not made overnight. They are built through dedication, hard work, and a shared vision.”

“The best coaches are not just instructors, but mentors who inspire and guide their players both on and off the court.”

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“Basketball teaches us the importance of perseverance. No matter how many times we fall, we must always get back up and keep going.”

“Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.”

“The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need.”

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John Phillip Sousa

“Any composer who is gloriously conscious that he is a composer must believe that he receives his inspiration from a source higher than himself.”

You probably know some of his music, but John Phillip Sousa’s (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) name is less familiar to many. Yet, he is known as “The March King,” having composed more than 130 military marches, including Semper Fidelis (official U. S. Marine Corps march) and The Stars and Stripes Forever (adopted by Congress as the National March of the U.S.).

He was born in Washington, D.C., as a second-generation American who demonstrated an aptitude for music early from his father, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps band. Time and hard work multiplied by his talent resulted in his music 161

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changing history, moving our hearts when we hear its rhythm and beat played today, and stirring future generations for as long as America stands free.

Sousa’s father apprenticed him to the Marine Corps band at thirteen, where he served for seven years until 1876. After learning to conduct an orchestra performing in the theater, he returned to the Marine Corps band, which also served as the official band of the President of the United States. Sousa became its director in 1880 and served until 1892. All Americans who love their country have been grateful ever since.

After leaving the Marines, Sousa formed his independent band, touring the world for almost four decades. During World War I, he took leave from his band and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, training band members whose performances lifted the morale of sailors and the public. Sousa recognized that his gift of music came from above, inspiring his life of service.

The Washington Post and El Capitan are two more of his famous marches. Still, Sousa wrote operettas and orchestra music, utilized a variety of instruments unlike his predecessors, invented the Sousaphone, and authored six books.

The public’s admiration for Sousa’s efforts continues long after his passing. The John F. Kennedy Center enshrined him in their Hall of Fame. Ships, bridges, statues, buildings, and a philanthropic foundation bear his name. Most importantly, his music continues to move us, honoring him in performances across the country throughout each year.

The next time you hear a military band, a Memorial Day or Independence Day concert, you will almost certainly hear John Phillips Sousa’s marches. Our toe-tapping, clapping, and patriotic heartbeats from his music honor his memory and AmeriCANdo spirit.

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John Phillip Sousa Quotes “Dance as though no one is watching. Love as though you’ve never been hurt. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth.”

“I have always believed that 98% of a student’s progress is due to his own efforts and 2% to his teacher.”

“My success is not due to any personal superiority over other people.”

“The office of President is a great one; to every true American, it seems the greatest on earth. And to me, as I was engaged in weaving a background of music for the pageantry of it, there came a deeper realization of the effect of the office on the man.”

“I can almost always write music; at any hour of the twentyfour, if I will put pencil to paper, music comes.”

“Sincere composers believe in God.”

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Booker T. Washington

“Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.”

He did not know the date of his birth (which others discovered after his passing), nor his father’s identity.

Born Booker Taliaferro (April 5, 1856 – November 14, 1915), he changed his last name to Washington after his stepfather’s first name when he entered school. Before that, he endured nine years of slavery and later worked in the salt and coal mines as a youngster.

From his earliest days, Booker yearned to learn and loved books. He struggled to teach himself to read before entering school and continued working during school as a necessity as he progressed.

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At sixteen, he entered the Hampton Institute, where he studied agriculture and academic subjects, including debate and public speaking. As before, Booker worked at the school in exchange for his tuition. Washington learned from the influence and example set by Hampton principal Samuel Chapman Armstrong. Booker graduated with honors and was thrilled to be selected to address the crowd assembled at the graduation ceremony.

Instead of school quenching his thirst for knowledge, the more he learned, the stronger his desire to know and be more. *** And be more, he did! Washington began his career teaching others and furthered his education at Wayland Seminary.

Recognizing Booker’s talent, Armstrong recommended him to found and lead the newly created Tuskegee Normal and Industrial (University) in 1881. Booker served as President until his passing in 1915. The university continues to provide a wide variety of programs, including an agricultural education based on the traditions he established.

As he expanded the school and its degree offerings, Booker positively influenced others, including George Washington Carver, whom he recruited to join the faculty. *** As the school grew in impact and reputation, so did Washington. In addition to his 34 years of dedicated service to Tuskegee, he expanded his influence through his public addresses, writings, and advice to others, which created additional educational opportunities. He became a leading voice for advancing African Americans’ lives.

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where he advocated education and civil advancement in deliberate movements to minimize White resistance. Critics, including W.E.B. DuBois, argued that more pressure against established practices would advance African Americans faster and labeled his speech The Atlanta Compromise.

Additionally, Washington lobbied White leaders to increase funding and donations to African American schools. *** In 1901, Washington became the first African American to publicly dine at the White House at the invitation of President Theodore Roosevelt. It generated publicity to advance his cause that restrained progress and intimidated others from acknowledging injustice.

Despite his birth into an unjust world and early childhood challenges, Washington, who died in 1915, achieved acclaim as an educator, orator, author of at least eleven books, and advocate for education and civil rights.

Honors continue to celebrate him and his AmeriCAN-do spirit for his example, selfless service, dedication, principles, and tenacity. They include monuments, honorary degrees, schools, planes, ships, coins, and other items named for him.

Booker T. Washington Quotes “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else.”

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“Character, not circumstance, makes the person.”

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by a majority.”

“The men doing vital things of life are those who read the Bible.”

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.”

“You can’t hold a man down without staying down with him.”

“Who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

“Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and let him know that you trust him.”

“Education is not a thing apart from life – not a ‘system’, nor a philosophy; it is direct teaching how to live and how to work.”

“There are two ways of exerting one’s own strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”

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Harriet Tubman

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

An old Texas expression says, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” I can’t imagine many better examples of this than Harriet Tubman (C March 1822 – March 10, 1913). Only being five feet tall with a petite body as well as a woman of color might lead people to underestimate Harriet—those who did missed the remarkable example of courage, faith, and principle she presented.

She was born Araminta Ross, and many believe she changed her name in the 1840s. Araminta’s given name was common at the time, including among several of her family members.

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Harriet was an easy choice to replace it, as it was her mother’s name. When she married John Tubman, she took his last name. *** Born into slavery as a child, she both nursed younger children and worked outside. Discipline was the order of the day, resulting in a whipping every time she failed to meet her master’s expectations. She lived with physical and mental scars from those punishments for the remainder of her life.

Following the custom of the time, Harriet never learned to read, but she gained knowledge by listening to Bible stories, which instilled in her a deep faith. She preferred the Old Testament stories of redemption, which gave her the hope to go on daily until her eventual liberation. *** After an abbreviated breath of freedom during her first escape and return in 1849, she made her way to free air again later in the year. The Underground Railroad aided her travel, which concluded upon reaching Philadelphia.

Overcoming the risk of capture and being returned to bondage, Harriet began rescuing relatives and helping them escape to freedom in 1850. Over time, she led at least thirteen rescue missions to liberate seventy people, including several family members. Her husband remarried in her absence and declined her effort to rescue him, which angered but did not deter her from liberating other willing individuals.

Successfully delivering enslaved people to freedom required teamwork, secrecy, creativity, courage, initiative, action, and deep faith contributed to Harriet’s repeated triumphs. People nicknamed her Moses, likening her to the God-led effort to free the Jewish people from Egypt.

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*** The outbreak of the Civil War inspired Harriet, who saw it as the instrument to abolish slavery. She sought and found opportunities to contribute to the effort as a scout, spy, nurse, and cook.

Later, her scouting missions expanded to include participating in combat raids at Combahee Ferry and the attack on Fort Wagner. *** After the war, she continued serving those in need and joined the suffragist and civil rights movements. Her previous service provided her with instant credibility, which she used to influence thoughts and strategies by joining and publicly speaking to groups founded to expand women’s rights.

Always looking to help, she initiated a home for indigent African Americans, where she eventually resided without additional financial resources.

As she grew older, wounds from her days in bondage increasingly continued to punish her, finally combining with her advanced age, taking her life in 1913. *** Harriet Tubman overcame her mistreatment with an attitude of serving others. When a need appeared before her, she joined in to alleviate it without thought of risk or cost to her. She helped others without thinking or asking, “What is in it for me?”

She deservedly continues to receive accolades for her accomplishments, including her name adorning a U.S. naval ship, schools, roadways, a U.S. postage stamp, and U.S. currency.

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Before Theodore Roosevelt said it, she lived his admonition to “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at.”

Harriet Tubman Quotes “Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”

“Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to You, and You’ve got to see me through.”

“God’s time is always near. He gave me my strength, and he set the North Star in the heavens. He meant I should be free.”

“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death, if I could not have one, I would have the other.”

“You’ll be free or die.”

“I can’t die but once.”

“I had crossed the line. I was free, but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”

“I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person.”

“Twasn’t Me, Twas the Lord! I always told Him, ‘I trust to You. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to Lead me.’ An’ He always did.”

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Mark Twain

“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.”

He was born as Halley’s Comet streaked across the skies of Missouri, which was his whole world for a time. He foresaw he would depart this life upon the comet’s return, and he did.

Sam Clemens’ formative years occurred in Hannibal on the banks of the Mississippi River, but later, relegating it to a stepping-stone in his life, it is what he achieved between the comet’s appearances and his birth and passing that captivated and captured the globe with his wit and wisdom.

While he was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), few remember him as Sam. He changed the path of his life, and when he became Mark Twain,

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he touched untold numbers of people worldwide and continues to influence generations today. *** Like so many others, Sam’s early life in Hannibal influenced his future success. He left school in the fifth grade and went to work as a printer’s apprentice. Who could imagine the impact of this experience on his future efforts? At eighteen, he left home to work as a printer in eastern cities, including New York and Philadelphia, but returned home to the lure of the big river.

Boys are always attracted to adventure around bodies of water.

Creeks, ponds, and streams elicit our imagination of adventures inaccessible on dry land. The Mississippi River beckoned Sam to return to Hannibal.

Not limited to playing, the riverboats mesmerized Sam and his friends. They dreamed of piloting them and traveling to faraway locales. Sam lived his dream of learning and working to pilot riverboats, which required two years of training to earn his license.

During his training, a boiler explosion killed his younger brother, Henry, whom Sam assisted in obtaining a job. Sam lived with guilt and grief for Henry’s loss for the remainder of his.

It is a blessing that we can relive our visions and experiences through Sam’s exploits on the Mississippi, which he later related to us in his books and stories.

The outbreak of the Civil War reduced river traffic. After a brief stint in a Confederate Army unit, Sam departed for Nevada with his brother Doron and eventually joined the search for silver as a miner. ***

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Sam’s efforts as a miner were unsuccessful, as his dislike of hard work began when he was a youngster painting fences. After leaving the mine, he found himself in a time and place facing a choice that determined his future and our knowledge and appreciation of him.

It is normal to mourn our failures, but what we do next determines our future. We only fail if we quit.

Reverting to what he knew, he took a job with a local newspaper. Instead of limiting his work to the operational side of the business, he wrote an article and first took the assumed name of Mark Twain as the author to submit it anonymously. On the river, “mark twain” means two fathoms or a safe depth for the riverboat to navigate. Who knew one article and using another name would be the launch of his figurative ship of destiny rather than the end of his literary endeavors? *** Two years later, his magazine article, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, brought him national attention. His “overnight success” opened doors for him as a reporter who traveled far and wide for the next two years, writing articles about his travels, which rapidly increased his public popularity.

Mark married, began a family, moved, and continued improving his newspaper writing for the next few years. Many people fall into a comfort zone during this stage of life, but Mark’s most productive and influential work was yet to come. *** Beginning with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in 1876, Twain authored more than thirty books and fourteen short stories or novellas. He toured the globe, lecturing appreciative audiences 174

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on his books and commenting on the state of the world and a variety of political issues as a humorist.

His entrepreneurial efforts included creating the Page Compositor to set type for printing automatically. This enterprise drained his finances, motivating him to write and speak more frequently to earn desperately needed funds for his family and business.

Mark’s admiration for President Ulysses S. Grant led him to publish the president’s voluminous memoirs. It speaks loudly about Twain, no stranger to financial difficulties, who sacrificed funds to aid Grant, who wrote his memoirs to alleviate his own monetary deficiencies. Fortunately for Twain and us, Grant completed the memoirs shortly before his death from cancer. *** Twain lost his beloved wife, Olivia, in 1904. He spent his remaining years writing and speaking on a wide variety of topics with a heavy heart.

In 1909, he forecasted his passing with the return of Halley’s Comet, saying he came into life with it in 1835 and would leave with it in 1910.

Twain wrote an autobiography, which was his last work.

However, it was not published until one hundred years after his death.

Just after Halley’s Comet passed its closest point to Earth in 1910, Mark Twain joined eternity. While his departure ended his thoughts on current events, his forty-plus years of speeches and publications continue to touch us today and will continue into the foreseeable future. ***

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A prolific author, lecturer, humorist, entrepreneur, and publisher, Mark Twain was one of the most gifted individuals in history. His wit, wisdom, quickness of thought, perseverance, willingness to take risks, and adaptability to life’s challenges influenced people’s thinking and inspired generations of individuals to better their lives.

Mark Twain Quotes

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obligated to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.”

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

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“It is easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”

“If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re misinformed.”

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

“Never argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.”

“Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.”

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

“There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.”

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

“Censorship is telling a man he can’t have a steak because a baby can’t chew it.”

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“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”

“Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”

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Sarah Breedlove/Madam C. J. Walker

“Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”

Sarah Breedlove (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) is a lady I was not familiar with, but one that inspires me, and I hope her story impresses you, too. She was the first person born (1867) in her family after the Emancipation Proclamation (1863).

She left home and married at 13 to escape an abusive environment. Walker’s brief recitation of her career path omitted the many challenges she overcame to succeed. She overcame racism, sexism, and discrimination against women in business to grow beyond anyone’s expectations.

In 1912, she recalled, she began in the cotton fields, progressed to the washtub, took in laundry, earned about one dollar per day on good days, graduated to work in the kitchen, and then promoted herself to founding her company.

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Faced with a scalp ailment she could not find a remedy for, she developed a cure for herself. She began marketing her hair treatment product to her friends and others. Ladies reacted with such enthusiasm and encouragement, establishing a business that exceeded all expectations. Sarah changed her name and that of her company to Madam C.J. Walker. She pioneered the black haircare and cosmetics industry, becoming the first self-made black female millionaire in the United States.

Madam Walker’s drive to succeed led her to market her products masterfully. She was a successful leader as she recruited superior people into the business and empowered them to grow and prosper. Her vision extended beyond personal success to benefit others, and her example opened the doors of hope and a path to opportunity.

While others described her as a self-made success, she readily credited lessons she learned from several women that aided her accomplishments. Walker endured the abovementioned obstacles but did not allow them to defeat her endeavors. She overcame all obstructions through determination, perseverance, and hard work.

How Madam C. J. Walker handled her success, as well as her wealth, provides an additional example worthy of our emulation.

She was an activist and philanthropist who gave back to her community to help future generations. She mentored young black ladies, inspiring them to achieve beyond their dreams and wildest imaginations, further expanding her impact on people, the world, and her legacy.

In her short fifty-one years, she lived a life worthy of remembering and emulating, demonstrating it is not where we start our journey that counts but where we finish.

And it is not how wealthy we are at the end of our life but how many lives we touch during and after our lifetime.

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Madam C. J. Walker also illustrates the exceptional opportunities available to all Americans and is an example of achieving the American dream.

Madam C. J. Walker Quotes “I am not ashamed of my past I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.”

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity.

But, I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”

“I got my start by giving myself a start.”

“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success.”

“If I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.”

“My advice to everyone expecting to go into business is to hit often and hit hard; in other words, strike with all your might.”

“Perseverance is my motto!”

“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment to hundreds of women of my race.”

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John D. Rockefeller

“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.”

Many people had a hate-love relationship with John D. Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937). They hated him for his ruthless business conduct but later loved his equally aggressive philanthropic efforts.

His success demonstrates that despite beginning in a home with an absent con man father and a devout Christian mother who raised him, it is possible to achieve the American dream and more with hard work and persistence.

Early in life, his mother taught him to work hard, minimize expenses, and give to charity. His increasingly absent father instructed him how to gain an edge in every business deal.

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Thankfully, his mother’s influence exceeded that of his father, contributing to an exceptional amount of philanthropy that continues today and beyond.

His family settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he completed high school and a ten-week business course focused on bookkeeping, setting the stage for his historic impact on the world. *** At sixteen, Rockefeller began his first job as a bookkeeper.

He celebrated that job every September 26 because it laid the groundwork leading to his becoming the wealthiest American in history.

Rockefeller’s entrepreneurial spirit shone early in his career as he progressed in business from a clerk to a partner. He later joined his brother in the oil business, where his skills in taking deliberate risks, adapting to change, and taking aggressive action increased revenue and strictly minimized expenses.

Leaving the partnership with his brother, he founded Standard Oil in 1870. Rockefeller built it into a monopoly, controlling 90% of the oil industry before he left actively leading it at fifty-six years old in 1897. While focused on charitable activities, Rockefeller continued as Standard Oil’s largest shareholder and force behind its growth. Standard’s dominance resulted in the U.S. government breaking it up with a 1911 Supreme Court decision for violating antitrust laws. *** A lifelong giver to others due to his mother’s teaching, Rockefeller pursued philanthropy as aggressively as he did business, dedicating the remainder of his life to positively impacting others.

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His most visible contributions to generations of Americans, which continue today, include large gifts in 1884 to what we know today as Spellman College, a founding donation to the University of Chicago in 1900, and the establishment of Rockefeller University in 1901. He began the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913, which continues as one of the largest charitable foundations in America.

Rockefeller loved lightheartedly giving adults dimes and children he encountered nickels, which belied his tough business reputation. *** Rockefeller’s mother instilled in him a faith he practiced for all of his life. Contrary to his reputation, he regularly read his Bible, attended church, and led study groups.

Faith-based charities received generous gifts from Rockefeller, who returned the favor to others that he received from his spiritual blessings. *** To say John D. Rockefeller was a complicated man is an understatement. He had no room for friendship in his business relationships, and he pursued success without limit. He also worked hard to make a fortune and even harder to give most of it away.

Many have studied, analyzed, and written about John D. Rockefeller. It is very interesting to hear his summation of an amazing life.

As far as is known, Rockefeller wrote only one poem comprising five lines summarizing his life. It provides a fascinating look into his heart.

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“I was early taught to work as well as play, My life has been one long, happy holiday; Full of work and full of play— I dropped the worry on the way— And God was good to me every day.”

John D. Rockefeller Quotes “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.”

“Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.”

“I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”

“The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.”

“Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one’s aim.”

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

“I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

“The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than for any other under the sun.”

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“I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living, but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.”

“Charity is useful only if it helps you gain independence.”

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”

“Character – not wealth, power, or position – is the supreme word.”

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Richard W. Sears

“The surest way to gain unswerving loyalty of employees is to show them from the start that they will be allowed to make the most of themselves. A man wants to stay with the firm with which he can reach his greatest efficiency.”

Before Amazon and Walmart appeared and seized the preeminent positions in American retail, Richard Sears (December 7, 1863 – September 28, 1914) humbly began a watch business and expanded it to the world’s largest store, making his name synonymous with value shopping before his premature death at fifty years old. ***

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Born in Minnesota, Sears’s childhood did not forecast genius or success. At seventeen, he took a job that positioned him for the opportunity that impacted almost everyone in America.

Sears began as a telegraph operator and later rose to a station agent for the Minnesota and St. Louis railroad. At twenty-three, he grasped an opportunity to sell a shipment of pocket watches.

His timing (no pun intended) could not have been better. The need to keep time increased during that period due to the creation of time zones, which advanced the use of train schedules, and people increasingly traveled, desiring to catch their trains on time without wasting too much time at the station.

Richard succeeded beyond his wildest expectations, demonstrating better ways to make a living and possibly get rich than working for the railroad. With his profits, Sears moved to Minneapolis and opened a watch business. A year later, he relocated his operation to Chicago.

In 1887, Sears hired his first employee, Alvah Roebuck, as a watch repairman. In 1891, they co-founded what officially became Sears, Roebuck, and Company in 1893.

They published their first catalog in 1893, which contained only watches. Financial problems plagued them in 1895, resulting in Roebuck leaving the company and Sears selling half of it to Julius Rosenwald. They had yet to find the sweet spot of market opportunity, but it loomed straight ahead.

Foreshadowing Amazon, by the time the first general catalog appeared in 1897, Sears sold virtually everything families needed. They discovered the vast rural market and modified their operation to serve it better than anyone else via “mail orders.” Sears experienced explosive growth and, over time, expanded the number of brands and product lines they offered, becoming the one-stop shop for people of all ages living in every demographic in the country.

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*** Increased competition from Walmart, Amazon, and others resulted in the end of the annual catalog in 1993 and the first of multiple bankruptcy filings in 2018. Valiant efforts to restructure the company fell short, leading to numerous litigations and a significantly diminished company.

Sears was Amazon before Amazon, and it could have been Amazon if it had visualized the e-commerce opportunity early.

They had the storefront, the processes, the people, the products and inventories, the marketing budget, and the loyal customers.

Their delay in adapting to a significant market shift, which is more prevalent in comfortably successful operations, allowed Amazon to transform from a bookstore to a one-stop online shop for customers’ every need and desire — a valuable lesson for future leaders. *** Richard Sears’s can-do attitude laid the foundation for one of the most successful companies in American history. He took risks, leaving a comfortable business to launch a start-up, adapted to change, relocated his business where it could realize more tremendous growth, overcame adversity before the endeavor secured its success, possessed the ability to communicate with potential customers writing most of the copy for their catalog, and speculated by advertising products for sale and taking orders before having a producer secured to process those transactions.

He retired at forty-four years because of a business disagreement with Rosenwald and health reasons and sadly passed away six years later. Sears, Roebuck & Co. continued to grow under Rosenwald’s leadership during the twentieth century before its eventual downfall.

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AmeriCANS Who Made America! | 19th Century

*** Author’s Note – When I was young, the Christmas edition of the Sears catalog, also known as “The Wish Book,” was “the place” to fantasize and create your list for Santa. Skipping past the clothes and advancing to the toy section, we would dog-ear pages and mark the items we “wished for.” Later, we meticulously shared them with our parents before writing our letter to Santa.

There were other catalogs then, but nothing matched the one Sears published. The vastness of the internet and search techniques used today cannot match the anticipation of what we might find as we flipped every page in that marvelous book.

Those are priceless memories.

Richard W. Sears Quotes “Many a hundred-dollar man remains a fifteen-dollar subordinate because he is not given any latitude and is not allowed to develop.”

“No man can learn to be a ‘crack shot’ unless he wastes some ammunition. The employer should stand the expense of the experiments made by a new man who shows ability; it will pay in the long run.”

“Too many instructions to employees is often fatal. Don’t be too specific; such an attitude makes a man into a machine.”

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Levi Strauss

“The world began without man and will complete itself without him.”

Yes, Levi Strauss (February 26, 1829 – September 26, 1902) was a real person. His story is much bigger than a pair of jeans.

His birth name was Loeb, which he changed to Levi in 1850.

Born and raised in Germany, he immigrated to New York with his mother and two sisters after his father’s death to join a brother and his business and to escape religious discrimination.

Like many others seeking their fortune, Levi went west to San Francisco to represent the family business and supply dry goods to the miners and established Levi Strauss & Co. in 1853.

He grew his retail business year after year, flourishing alongside the city of San Francisco. His success enabled him to contribute to multiple charities and founding the first synagogue 191

AmeriCANS Who Made America! | 19th Century

in the town. Levi served in leadership capacities of several business organizations, including the Board of Trade, the Nevada Bank, an insurance company, and the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company. *** Then, one day, the opportunity that changed his life and the lives of so many others knocked on his door. Jacob Davis, a customer of Strauss’s and a tailor, had invented a rivet to place on what he called “waist overalls” to make them more durable.

He asked Levi to partner with him in the patent application as he could not afford its cost alone. Strauss saw the value in the rivet but could not imagine the future impact of his decision. He accepted the invitation from Davis.

On May 20, 1873, the US Patent Office issued the total Patent No. 139121 for what we now know as blue jeans to Davis and Strauss. Davis originally fulfilled orders in his shop. As orders grew, they hired seamstresses to produce the jeans in their homes, and then, with Davis as the production manager, they moved into a dedicated facility.

Today, Levi Strauss & Co. is an international business whose revenues exceed multi-billion dollars annually. Untold millions of people know what you are referring to when you say the word “Levis.” Their market opportunity in the future extends beyond view, with the only enemy against future success being mismanagement.

All the achievements of Levi Strauss & Co. since 1873 and beyond resulted from Levi Strauss making one decision. He is an example of Benjamin Disraeli’s observation, “The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes.”

Levi Strauss never married or had children. He died in 1902 and left the majority of his estate to four nephews while charities received the remainder. Today, the business is public 192

Richard V. Battle

but continues to benefit the descendants of the Strauss family.

The vision, risk, work, and generosity of one decision by Levi resulted in generations of impact and benefit for innumerable people around the globe.

Levis Strauss Quotes “Objects are what matter. Only they carry the evidence that throughout the centuries something really happened among human beings.”

“An expert knows all the answers – if you ask the right questions.”

“Gifts make slaves.”

“We can understand, too, that natural species are chosen not because they are ‘good to eat’ but because they are ‘good to think.’”

“In the old days, people used to risk their lives in India or in the Americas in order to bring back products which now seem to us to have of comically little worth.”

“The scientific mind does not so much provide the right answers as ask the right questions.”

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A Note from the Author AmeriCANS in the 19th century received their Can-do spirit from those who lived before them. They lived and survived, but more importantly, they faithfully preserved, protected, and perpetuated that attitude, passing it along to those who have come behind them.

They realized that if something was going to happen, they had to make it so. There was no entitlement mentality.

The most successful individuals recognized an opportunity when it appeared, seized it, and proactively acted. They visualized the future and pursued it with hard and smart work.

AmeriCANS overcame adversity and persevered through tougher times than we can imagine.

Leaders built teams to increase their influence and impact and were servant leaders before that term existed outside The Bible.

Now, it is our turn. *** Still true today, as when the following section appeared in the volume, AmeriCANS Who Made America: 18th Century – Birth of The Republic, are the following statements.

“As an American, we each are blessed to have a choice in the life we live.

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Will we travel day-by-day only living for self and pleasure?

Or will we honor our ancestors, serve our families, friends, and communities, and extend the gift of freedom we received without merit to future generations?

Every day presents another choice and decision for us.

It is never too late to begin, but it is always too early to quit repaying our gift.” *** Where Do We Go from Here?

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Battle, Richard V., The Four-Letter Word that Builds Character, Austin, Volunteer Concepts, 2006.

Battle, Richard V., Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS, Parker, Outskirts Press, 2022.

Blazeski, Goran, Brushy Bill Roberts: He claimed to be Billy the Kid and in 1950 sought a governor’s pardon, The Vintage Times, 2017. https://www.battlefields.org. http://www.biography.com. https:/www.bookseriesinorder.com. https://www.britannica.com. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/10/business/sears-timeline/index. html https://www.thedailytimes.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com. www.theevolvingartist.com. https://www.fictiondb.com. https://www.findagrave.com. https://fredericremington.org.

Friend, Llerena B., Sam Houston: The Great Designer, Austin, The University of Texas Press, 1954. https://www.grabmyessay.com/foundingfatherquotes-com.

Grant, Ulysses S., The Complete Personal Memoirs of General Ulysses S. Grant, New York, Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885. https://www.happybetterwiser.com/quotes. https://history.com. https://www.historyandheadlines.com. https://historybymail.com. https://historyfacts.com. https://www.historyofjeans.com Holt, Michael F., By One Vote: The Disputed Presidential Election of 1876, Lawrence, The University of Kansas Press, 2008. https://history.howstuffworks.com https://www.investopedia.com/news/downfall-of-sears/ James, Marquis, The Raven, Austin, The University of Texas Press, 1929.

Kaplan, Justin, Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography, New York, Touchstone- Simon and Schuster, 1966. http://www.Kids.britannica.com. https://www.legendsofamerica.com. https://www.loc/free-to-use.

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Martin, David, The Vicksburg Campaign, Pennsylvania, Combined Books, 1990. https://www.menloparkmuseum.org/history.

Millard, Candace, The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey, New York, Doubleday, 2005.

Molotsky, Irvin, The Flag, The Poet & The Song, New York, Dutton, 2001. https://www.myfrugalbusiness.com/2012/05/impact-of-sears-catalogue. html. https://www.nps.gov. http://www.onthisday.com. https://peabodyhistorical.org/2022/04/the-improbable-life-of-grenvilledodge/.

Phillips, Donald T., Lincoln on Leadership, New York, Warner Books, 2001. https://www.quoteswave.com.

Remini, Robert V., The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson, New York, Harper & Row, 1976.

Roosevelt, Theodore, Rough Riders, New York, Da Capo Press, originally published 1902. http://www.searsarchives.com/history/chronologies/chronology_brief.htm https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history.

Suess, Jeff, How ‘the Savior of Cincinnati’ kept the city from having its darkest day, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2024. https://www.thomasedison.org. https://www.thoughtco.com.

Trulock, Alice Rains, In the Hands of Providence, Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. https://www.tuskegee.edu.

Twain, Mark, Roughing It, New York, Signet Classic, 1962.

United States Constitution, 1787. https://www.voguebusiness.com. https://en.wikipedia.org. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page. https://www.wikiart.org/en.

Wiersbe, Warren, 50 People Every Christian Should Know, Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2009.

Winik, Jay, April 1865, New York, Harper Perennial, 2001. https://www.womenshistory.org.

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Index 9/11 19 20th Maine regiment 100 1828 election 73 1895 Atlanta Exhibition 165 1918 Spanish Flu 18 A Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts 129 Adams, President John Quincy 7, 62 Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The 174 Alamo, The 18, 38, 39 Amazon 187, 188, 189 Appomattox Court House, Virginia 90 Arkansas 43, 75 Armstrong, Samuel Chapman 165 Arts Students League, The 59 Atlanta Compromise, The 166 Ballad of Davy Crockett, The 38, 39 Baltimore, Maryland 120, 137, 138 Battle of Bunker Hill 66, 73 Bechtol, T. “Bubba” 86 Bell, John 84 Bellamy, Francis 8, 121, 122, 123 Belmont, Mississippi 90 Ben Hur. A Tale of The Christ 50 Benton, Thomas Hart 36 Berra, Yogi 21 Billy the Kid 50, 196 Big Trail, The movie 23 Black Hills, South Dakota 149 Blackburn, Thomas W. 38 Board of Trade 192 Boston, Massachusetts 17, 112, 129, 145 Boston Tea Party 17 Bowdoin College 99 Brazil 105 Breckenridge, John C. 84 British Isles 153 Brown, Clarissa 42 Bruns, George 38 Buchanan, President James 37, 84 Bull Moose Party 104 Bunker Hill, battle of 66, 73 Burr, Aaron 67 Bush, President George W. 68 Bush, President George Herbert Walker 68 198

California 36, 37, 54, 55, 141, 142 Call, Woodrow, character 46 Canton, New York 59 Carson, Kit 7, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Carver, George Washington 8, 124, 126, 165 Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The 174 Central Pacific Railroad 141 Chamberlain, Joshua 7, 99, 100, 101 Charbonneau, Toussaint 29, 30 Cherokee, Indian tribe 78 Chicago 145, 146, 184, 188 Chicago Fire, 1871 145, 146 Chisum, movie 46 Chisum, John 46 Christmas 17, 190 Cleveland, Ohio 183 Cincinnati Enquirer 197 Claiborne, Billy 55 Clanton, Billy 55 Clark, George Rogers 25 Clark, William 7, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 Clay, Henry 67, 83 Colorado 42, 43, 45, 96 Columbus, Christopher 16, 122 Combahee Ferry 170 Concord, Massachusetts 17 Confederate States of America 141 Conquering Life’s Course: Common Sense in Chaotic Times 133 Continental Army 25, 64 Corps of Discovery 24, 26 Council Bluffs, Iowa 141, 142 Creek War 39 Crocker, Charles 141 Crockett, David (Davy) 7, 38, 39, 40 Crumpler, Arthur 129 Crumpler, Rebecca Lee 8, 128, 129, 130 Cuba 59, 104 Custer, George Armstrong 149 Dash for the Timber, A 58 Davis, Jacob 192 Delaware River 17, 64 Disraeli, Benjamin 192 Dodge City, Kansas 46 Douglass, Frederick 152, 153, 154, 155

Douglas, Stephen 2, 8, 84 DuBois, W.E.B. 166 Earp, Wyatt 7, 53, 54, 56, 57 Edison, Thomas Alva 131 Edison Labs 132 Edison Speaking Phonograph Company, The 133 El Capitan 162 Electoral College 67 Emerson, Ralph Waldo 8, 116, 117, 118, 120 Europe 17, 64 Fetterman fight 149 Florida 96 Ft. Henry, Tennessee 90 Ft. McHenry, Maryland 138 Ft. Sumter, South Carolina 95 Founding Fathers 64 France 64, 66 Freedman’s Bureau 129 Fremont, Jessie Benton 36 Fremont, John C. 7, 33, 35, 37 Germany 191 Gettysburg 62, 85, 86, 90, 99, 100 Gettysburg Address 62 Goodall, Jane 120 Goodnight, Charles 7, 45, 46, 47 Grant, President, and General Ulysses S. 7, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 95, 100, 142, 175, 196 Great Britain 145 Great Depression 19 Gunfight at O.K. Corral, The 56 Halleck, General Henry 90 Halley’s Comet 172, 175 Hamer, Thomas 88 Hampton Institute 165 Hannibal, Missouri 172, 173 Harper’s Weekly 59 Harrison, President William Henry 154 Hayes, President Rutherford B. 7, 94 Holland 67 Holliday, Doc 55 Holmes, Oliver Wendell Jr. 8, 111, 112, 113, 114

Holmes, Oliver Wendell Sr. 8, 111, 112, 113, 114 Hopkins, Mark 141 Horseshoe Bend, Alabama 72 Houston, Elizabeth 78 Houston, Sam 7, 77, 79, 80, 196 Huntington, Collis P. 141 Illinois 45, 54 Iowa State University 125 Jackson, President Andrew 7, 71, 78 Jean Baptiste (Little Pomp) 30, 31 Jefferson, President Thomas 25, 26, 27, 64, 67, 73 Judah, Theodore 8, 14, 140, 141, 142 Kansas, University of 46, 159, 196 Kennedy, President John F. 19 Kennedy Center, The John F. 162 Key, Francis Scott 1, 8, 120, 136, 137, 139 Lake, Stuart N. 56 LaPorte, Texas 78 Lee, General Robert E. 8, 90, 100, 128, 129, 130 Levi Strauss & Co 191, 192 Lewis and Clark expedition 17, 24 Lewis, Meriwether 24, 25, 27 Lexington, Massachusetts 17, 49 Lincoln, President Abraham 7, 14, 62, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 90, 91, 100, 141, 197 Lisette 30, 31 Little Bighorn battle 149 Little Round Top 100 Lonesome Dove 46 Loos, Adolph 11 Los Angeles, California 56 Louisiana 17, 24, 25, 26 Louisiana Purchase 17, 24, 25, 26 Loving, Oliver 46 Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS 6, 22, 196 Madison, President James 108 Mandan tribe 29 Marcus, Josephine 55 Marshall, Chief Justice John 74, 108

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Massachusetts 67, 107, 112, 114, 129, 142, 153, 158 Massachusetts militia 112 Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 112 McClellan, General George 90 McKinley, President William 104 McLaury, Frank 55 Menlo Park, New Jersey 132, 133 Mexican-American War 36, 49, 68 Mexico 18, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 79 Michigan 75, 132 Minnesota 188 Minnesota and St. Louis railroad 188 Mississippi River 43, 172, 173 Missouri River 25, 26 Monroe, President James 7 Monroe Doctrine, The 64 Monson, Thomas S. 23 Montague, Samuel S. 14, 143 Moody Bible Institute (formerly Chicago Bible Institute) 146 Moody Church (formerly Chicago Avenue Church) 146 Moody, Dwight L. 8, 147 Moorhouse, Harry 145 Nacogdoches, Texas 39 Naismith, James 8, 157, 158, 159 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave 154 National Cowboy Hall of Fame 46 Navy, U.S. 104, 162 Nevada Bank 192 New England Female Medical School 129 New Mexico 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51 New Orleans, Louisiana 72 New York 59, 96, 104, 132, 133, 142, 145, 153, 173, 191, 196, 197 New York City Police 104 New York State Assembly 104 Norwich University 142 Oglala Lakota tribe 149 Oregon 96 Pacific Ocean 17, 24, 25, 26, 36 Pacific Railroad Act, 1862 14, 141 Paducah, Kentucky 90 Page Compositor 175 200

Panama Canal 104 Philadelphia 169, 173 Pike, Zebulon 7, 42, 43, 44 Pikes Peak 42 Pilgrims 17 Plato 113 Plymouth, Massachusetts 17 Pompey’s Pillar, Montana 24, 26, 30 Port Huron, Michigan 132 Prussia 67 Reagan, President Ronald 19 Reconstruction 86, 91, 92, 97 Red Cloud 8, 148, 149, 150 Red Cloud agency 149 Red Cloud’s War 149 Red River 43 Remington, Frederic 7, 58, 59, 60, 61 Republic of Texas, The 80 Republican Party 83 River of Doubt 105, 197 Rockefeller, John D. 8, 182, 183, 184, 185 Rockefeller Foundation 184 Rockefeller University 184 Roebuck, Alvah 188, 189 Roosevelt, President Franklin 113 Roosevelt, President Theodore 8, 113, 166 Rosenwald, Julius 188, 189 Rough Riders 104, 197 Runaway Scrape, The 79 Russia 67 Sacagawea 7, 18, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 Sacramento, California 14, 140, 141 St. Louis, Missouri 26, 30, 188 San Antonio, Texas 39 San Felipe, Texas 79 San Francisco Gas and Electric Company 192 San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site 78 San Juan (Kettle) Hill 104 Santa Anna, General Antonio López de 39, 79 Scott, General Winfield 1, 8, 90, 120, 136, 137, 139 Sears catalog 190 Sears, Richard W. 8, 187, 190

Sears, Roebuck & Co. 189 Semper Fidelis 161 Sherman, General William Tecumseh 142 Shiloh, Tennessee 49, 90 Sons of Liberty 107 Sousa, John Phillip 8, 161, 162, 163 Sowell, Thomas 21 Spain 43 Spanish-American War 59 Springfield, Massachusetts 158 Spurgeon, Charles 145 Square Deal 104 Stampede, The 58, 59 Standard Oil 183 Star-Spangled Banner, The 120, 136, 138, 139 Stars and Stripes Forever, The 161 South Carolina 2, 96 Stanford, Leland 141 Story, Justice Joseph 7, 8, 14, 107, 108, 109 Strauss, Levi (Loeb) 8, 191, 192, 193 Taft, President William Howard 105 Teddy Bear 105 Tennessee 38, 39, 78, 90 Texas Declaration of Independence 79 Texas Rangers, law enforcement organization 45 Tilden, Samuel 96 Tombstone, Arizona 54, 55, 56 Toronto, Canada 43 Transcendental Club 117 Travis, Col. William Barrett 39 Treaty of Ghent 67 Treaty of Laramie 149 Treaty of Paris 66 Trenton, New Jersey 64 Tubman, Harriet (Araminta Ross) 8, 168, 170, 171 Tubman, John 169 Tuskegee Normal and Industrial (University) 165 Twain, Mark (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) 8, 91, 172, 174, 175, 176, 196, 197

Union Pacific Railroad 184 Upham, James B. 122 U.S. Constitution 17 U.S. Marine Corps band 161 U.S. Supreme Court 108, 109 Vermont 96 Vicksburg, Mississippi 12, 85, 90, 197 Virginia 63, 64, 129 Walker, Madam C. J. (Sarah Breedlove) 8, 68, 179, 180, 181 Wallace, Lew 7, 48, 49, 50, 51 Walmart 187, 189 War of 1812 27, 39, 43, 73, 78, 137 Washington, Booker T. 8, 125, 164, 166 Washington, President, and General George 8, 17, 77, 124, 126, 165 Watkins, Mariah 125 Wayland Seminary 165 West Point 88, 89 West Texas 13, 45 West Orange, New Jersey 133 Western Hemisphere 64 Whig party Wilson, President Woodrow 105 Worcester vs. Georgia 74 World War I 19, 104, 162 World War II 12, 19 Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal 56 Yale University 59 Yellowstone River 30 YMCA International Training School 158 Youth’s Companion, The 122

Uncle Tom’s Cabin 50 Underground Railroad 169 201

About the Author

Richard V. Battle

Multi Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Media Commentator and Advisor Richard Battle is the author of twelve books focused on communicating messages promoting God and Country and personal growth, enabling people to pursue their dreams and fulfill their life’s journey.

For over thirty years, he has been a public speaker and trainer on leadership, motivation, faith, sales, and volunteerism.

Richard is an experienced corporate executive and nonprofit leader who serves organizations in an advisory role.

Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to The Texas Judicial Council and The Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

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As president of the Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce recognized the chapter as the Most Outstanding chapter in the United States. The Junior Chamber of Commerce International recognized Richard as the Outstanding Chapter President in the world.

He served on the board of directors of Alpha Kappa Psi, an international professional business fraternity, and was a past chairman.

He has served on the board of many organizations, including Shepperd Leadership Institute (past chairman), Boy Scouts of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Keep Austin Beautiful.

Richard serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, celebrating the National Day of Prayer.

Richard lives in Lakeway, Texas. His mission is to communicate Positive messages helping people win every day!

Aim High!

Work Hard!

NEVER Quit!

®

www.richardbattle.com While I don’t know where my path will lead me, I know the destination.

If you have suggestions for future ideas, or would like additional clarification on my efforts, you can reach me at richard@richardbattle.com.

Thank you again for your encouragement and support of my work.

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Richard V. Battle Books The Unopened Present

What life lessons do you want to teach your children? What if you do not live to communicate them?

Richard’s son passed prematurely, leaving the 43 essential life lessons unopened.

Richard added commentary and depth to the 43 lessons from the letter, and the present awaits you to open.

It includes 50 Scriptures, 51 quotes, and 18 Battle’s Bullets.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, and audio editions.

Made in America

By AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS Made In America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS is an uplifting volume providing readers the tools to learn, lead, and leave a legacy benefitting those who follow us.

If you want to fulfill your dreams and destiny, this book’s AmeriCAN principles and examples will accelerate your quest.

It includes 103 quotes, 108 Battle’s Bullets, and 135 Sage Sayings.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, and audio editions.

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Life’s Daily Treasure 366 Doses of Hope, Optimism, Personal growth, and Encouragement Does It Seem Like Hope Has Vanished?

You’re Not Alone – Here are 366 Daily Doses.

Life’s Daily Treasure is for adults seeking hope and encouragement in an ever-challenging world.

It is a book of hope for today and every day and an excellent gift for all occasions!

Its 2,196 entries of inspiration, motivation, and American celebration are wonderful resources for speakers, pastors, teachers, and others.

Available in Hardback, Paperback, and Kindle editions.

Navigating Life’s Journey Common Sense in Uncommon Times If you liked Conquering Life’s Course, you’ll love this successor to it.

Forty bite-sized, easy-to-read chapters of time-proven principles will restore your confidence in your beliefs, encourage you to defend them, and inspire you to teach your sacred values to your loved ones. It will lift your spirits and restore your hope in America.

It includes 250 examples and 75 motivational quotes.

Available in paperback, Kindle, and audio editions.

205

Conquering Life’s Course Common Sense in Chaotic Times Do you wonder if Common Sense is vanishing?

It will entertain and inspire the reader to think, laugh and undertake actions to realize a more fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one have given up on understanding the world of today, Conquering Life’s Course is a must-read. It assures readers that age-old traditions and wisdom still rule over unproven theories.

It is concise, easy to read, and offers invaluable insights that readers can share with the entire family.

Available in paperback, Kindle, and audio editions.

Unwelcome Opportunity – Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges What do you do when you experience divorce, two heart procedures, and a cancer diagnosis within ten months? It is the story of an ordinary man facing multiple life challenges in one ten-month period.

In it, you will see an example of God’s presence and provision that helped Richard Battle traverse this turbulent period of his life.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, and audio editions.

206

Surviving Grief by God’s Grace There is no greater loss in this world than losing one’s child. This book is the first-person account of the author’s loss of his first and then only child. It is a story of the grief, spiritual quest, and grace that helped Richard and his family survive and to live with hope for the future.

Available in paperback and Kindle editions.

The Four-Letter Word That Builds Character Why are so many young people having a problem adapting to society today? Where have we gone wrong? Is it the parents or society in general? The Four-Letter Word That Builds Character can make a difference in this scattered and cluttered world. Based on the lessons learned from the author’s first job and parental teaching of traditional values that have proven to be the foundation for lifelong success, this volume teaches 14 proven principles of a good work ethic and character.

Available in paperback, Kindle, and audio editions.

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The Volunteer Handbook How to Organize and Manage a Successful Organization More than 75 topics provide specific ideas to help volunteer leaders maximize their efforts. Topics include Long-range, annual and event planning; Training board and prospective board members; how to recruit new members; ten steps to activate or reactivate a member; six steps to building a successful team; and How to motivate your membership. Effective Delegation. Managing non-performers.

Available in paperback

The Master’s Sales Secrets 44 Strategies for Sensational Sales Success Richard V. Battle offers business leaders a graduate-level class in what he learned over forty-plus years in sales and sales management. It is Practical, sharp, and clearly communicated. The Master’s Sales Secrets can be read cover to cover or referenced strategy by strategy.

Available in paperback and Kindle editions.

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Frederick Douglass

Clara Barton

Davy Crockett

From the first profile, your AmeriCAN-do spirit will inspire your increased success and contributions to our magnificent country! This volume continues celebrating timeless AmeriCAN-do values and principles that are as valid today as ever.

These AmeriCAN men and women of the 19th century honored the gift of liberty bestowed by the Founders and preserved, perpetuated, and expanded those freedoms for we who have followed them. Young adults and up will cheer these AmeriCANS' success and realize increased pride in our country and future.

Readers will learn of ordinary people with the AmeriCAN-do spirit that left us the gift of this uniquely prosperous country. Their stories and examples of overcoming adversities and the Civil War will encourage and inspire you to repay their favor and pass it along to our descendants.

AmeriCANS Who Made America! 19 Century

Abraham Lincoln

AmeriCANS Who Made America!

19th Century – Growth, Division, and Reunification

“By telling the stories you know, the stories you thought you knew, and the stories you may never have heard, Richard V. Battle defines American Exceptionalism; not through government or documents but by the everyday people who chose to do exceptional things.”

—TIM TAPP, Host of Tapp into the Truth Richard V. Battle

RICHARD V. BATTLE is the multi-award-winning author of thirteen books, including the AmeriCANS Who Made America series, and has been a public speaker on leadership, motivation, faith, sales, and volunteerism for over 30 years. He is an experienced corporate executive and non-profit leader who serves organizations in an advisory role.

Richard V. Battle