Grover Cleveland

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22nd and 24th President of the United States

Under the Constitution of 1787

March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889

March 4, 1893 – March 4, 1897

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND was born March 18, 1837, the fifth of nine children to Richard Falley Cleveland and Ann Neal Cleveland. He was named after Stephen Grover, the previous minister of the church where his father was now pastor. In 1842, the family moved to Fayetteville, New York, a small farming community on the Erie Canal, where his father became pastor of the Presbyterian church. Young Cleveland attended the local school and at 13 attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in nearby Clinton, New York. His father died suddenly on October 1, 1853 and at 16 young Cleveland lost any hopes for college. His older brother William was a teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind and Cleveland was hired on as a teacher. In 1855, Cleveland left his teaching post. He decided to look for work in Cleveland Ohio as he wanted to be a lawyer and the west had always intrigued him. On his way, he stopped to visit his uncle, Lewis Allen a wealthy and nationally famous cattle breeder in Buffalo, New York. Allen convinced Cleveland to remain in Buffalo, gave him a job and by 1859 after studying law with friends of his uncle’s, Cleveland was admitted to the New York bar. He immediately offered a job with Rodgers, Bowen and Rodgers, which was where he had studied law, and he accepted. As the Civil War broke out, Cleveland was ever mindful of the support he provided for his mother and sisters. When he was drafted he borrowed money to hire a substitute to serve in his place, which was a common practice permitted under the law.

In 1862, Cleveland was elected Democratic Supervisor of his Buffalo ward and in 1863, he was appointed assistant district attorney of Erie County. He crusaded against crime and corruption and made a name for himself. In 1870, Cleveland ran for Sheriff of Buffalo, and won the election and as Sheriff he continued his crusade against corruption. His term ended in 1873, and he returned to practicing law. He becomes one of Buffalo’s most successful attorneys, owing more to hard work than brilliant talent.

In 1881, Cleveland was asked to run for mayor of Buffalo by the Democratic Party because of his work against corruption and he accepted. At forty-four, he was single and moderately wealthy and easily won the election and took office in 1882. Mayor Cleveland fought the city aldermen who were a corrupt circle of politicians from both parties. He vetoed bills in an attempt to cut the political graft that was rampant. He became know as the “veto mayor”.

The party leaders of New York needed a new face in order to reconcile a deadlock for the nomination of a new Governor. Cleveland was chosen, and running on his reputation for being an honest politician, he won the election without making a single campaign speech. As Governor, Cleveland continued his campaign against corruption and he also continued to liberally apply his veto power.

In 1884, the Republicans nominated James G. Blain, who had been accused of accepting bribes, for president. In July 1884, the Democrats nominated Cleveland for president, deciding that with his irrefutable public record, he would win the votes of both the democrats and the Republicans who were unhappy with their party’s choice for candidate. The campaign inspired many personal attacks, with Blain being accused of aiding the railroads at public expense and Cleveland being accused of fathering a illegitimate child, which Cleveland courageously acknowledged. Ten years before Cleveland's presidency, store clerk Maria Halpin named him as the father of her illegitimate son. Cleveland won the election by a slim margin over Blaine. The electoral votes were Cleveland 219 to Blaine’s 182.

Cleveland was inaugurated March 4, 1885 and continued his independent and conscientious but conservative course. He continued to fill government posts with qualified people, not party loyalists and he persuaded Congress to repeal an act that kept incompetent officeholders in office because of the length of their service. He found himself continually at odds with the Republican controlled Senate.

On June 2, 1886, 49-year-old Cleveland became the first and only president to be married in the White House. Cleveland's bride was his ward, Frances Folsom, the 22-year-old daughter of his late law partner and friend, Oscar Folsom. For years, Cleveland acted as executor of Folsom's estate, but no one suspected his interest in Frances until he proposed marriage after her graduation from Wells College. The wedding ceremony took place in the Blue Room with fewer than 40 people present. The couple had five children: Ruth Cleveland (1891-1904); Ester Cleveland (1893-1980); Marion Cleveland (1895-1977); Richard Folsom Cleveland (1897-1974) and Francis Grover Cleveland (1903-1995).

In the election of 1888, Cleveland was running against Benjamin Harrison of Indiana. Although Cleveland received 100,000 more popular votes than Harrison, he lost the election in electoral votes receiving 168 against Harrison’s 233.

Cleveland returned to New York City and resumed his law practice in 1889. However, three years later the Democrats once again nominated him. His Republican opponent was again Benjamin Harrison. Despite arguments within his own party, Cleveland decisively defeated President Harrison 277 electoral votes to 145. Cleveland became the only President to be reelected after defeat.

On March 4, 1893, Cleveland once more took the presidential oath. The Depression of 1893 struck his administration hard. Some Democrats saw salvation in free coinage of silver, but Cleveland was able to persuade Congress to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in an effort to improve the economic situation. However, by focusing on monetary policy rather than on direct assistance to the needy, Cleveland lost the support of his party.

The Democratic party was split by the end of Cleveland’s second term. They had nominated both William Jennings Bryan and a rival candidate for president. Cleveland removed himself from the campaign and the Republican candidate, William McKinley easily defeated both Democratic nominees.

On March 4, 1897, Cleveland turned the presidency over to McKinley and retired to a home he had purchased in Princeton, New Jersey. He remained a public figure, lecturing and writing and engaging in business affairs, most notably as a Trustee of the Equitable Life Assurance Society and as President of the Association of Life Insurance Presidents. He died in Princeton on June 24, 1908.

Frances Clara Folsom Cleveland Preston

1864-1947

 

Frances Clara Folsom Cleveland Preston (born Frank Clara Folsom; July 21, 1864 – October 29, 1947) was the First Lady of the United States during two non-consecutive terms, from 1886 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897, as the wife of President Grover Cleveland, the only U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Known for her beauty, grace, and intelligence, Frances was a beloved public figure and remains one of the most popular First Ladies in American history.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Frances was the daughter of Emma Harmon Folsom and Oscar Folsom, a prominent lawyer who was a close friend of Grover Cleveland. Her unusual first name, "Frank," was chosen by her father, although she later adopted the more traditional "Frances" as she grew older. Tragedy struck the Folsom family when Frances was just 11; her father died unexpectedly in a carriage accident, leaving Frances and her mother in difficult financial circumstances. Grover Cleveland, who was then practicing law and later became her father’s executor, took a protective interest in young Frances, acting as a sort of surrogate father figure during her early years.

As a young woman, Frances attended Wells College in Aurora, New York, where she was known for her intellectual curiosity, elegance, and kindness. Her beauty and poise won her widespread admiration, and she became popular among her peers. It was during her college years that her relationship with Cleveland, who was nearly three decades her senior, evolved from a familial friendship into a romantic connection. Cleveland, who had never married, had developed a quiet affection for Frances, which gradually grew as she matured into adulthood.

Upon her graduation from Wells College, Cleveland proposed to Frances, and their engagement was announced to widespread surprise. Their wedding on June 2, 1886, was a historic and sensational event, as Cleveland was the only president to marry in the White House. Frances was just 21, making her the youngest First Lady in U.S. history, while Cleveland was 49. The ceremony took place in the Blue Room, and Frances’s youth, beauty, and charm captivated the nation. She quickly became a popular and admired figure in Washington society and was affectionately referred to as "Frankie" by the American public.

As First Lady, Frances embraced her role with poise and enthusiasm. She used her influence to promote various social causes, including support for education and women’s rights, though she often maintained a neutral stance on political matters, understanding the delicate balance of her position. Her sense of style and elegance set trends, and women across the country emulated her fashion choices and hairstyles. Frances brought a sense of vitality and grace to the White House, hosting lively receptions and gatherings that drew large crowds and revitalized the social atmosphere of the presidential residence.

In 1889, Grover Cleveland was defeated in his bid for re-election by Benjamin Harrison, and the Clevelands returned to private life. However, Frances’s time away from the White House would not last long. In 1892, Cleveland won re-election, marking his return to the presidency in 1893. Frances once again assumed the role of First Lady with a maturity and assurance that reflected her experience. Her second term as First Lady was marked by her gracious handling of the challenges her husband faced, including a serious economic depression known as the Panic of 1893. During this difficult time, Frances’s calm and supportive presence helped to bolster Cleveland’s image and bring comfort to a troubled nation.

Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Frances’s role evolved beyond that of a traditional hostess. She became an influential figure, serving as a symbol of family values and the American ideal of womanhood. Known for her charitable work, she was particularly involved in causes related to children’s welfare and education, and she frequently visited schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Her compassion and willingness to engage with the public endeared her to Americans of all backgrounds, further solidifying her popularity.

In 1897, as Grover Cleveland’s second term ended, the Clevelands retired to Princeton, New Jersey, where they settled into a quieter life. They welcomed five children together: Ruth, Esther (who was the first child of a president to be born in the White House), Marion, Richard, and Francis. Frances was a devoted mother, and her children became the center of her life after Cleveland’s passing in 1908. She remained active in the Princeton community, supporting local causes, and taking on the role of a respected community leader.

In 1913, five years after Grover Cleveland’s death, Frances remarried Thomas J. Preston Jr., a professor of archaeology at Princeton University. She was the first former First Lady to remarry, which was an unusual choice at the time but one that reflected her independent spirit. The couple lived a quiet life in Princeton, and Frances continued to be active in social causes, including women’s suffrage and World War I relief efforts, where she worked on behalf of organizations that supported soldiers and their families.

Frances’s later years were marked by her enduring commitment to public service and her dedication to her family. During World War II, she worked with the Red Cross and encouraged support for the war effort. Known for her resilience and kindness, she remained active and engaged well into her final years, becoming a source of inspiration for future generations.

Frances Folsom Cleveland Preston passed away on October 29, 1947, at the age of 83. She left behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential First Ladies in American history, remembered for her grace, compassion, and lifelong dedication to service. Her contributions to the role of First Lady set a standard for future generations, and her popularity endures as a testament to her charm, character, and devotion to her country.

The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America 

For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here]. 

Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents 

Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776

Peyton Randolph	September 5, 1774	October 22, 1774
Henry Middleton	October 22, 1774	October 26, 1774
Peyton Randolph	May 20, 1775	May 24, 1775
John Hancock	May 25, 1775	July 1, 1776

Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America

George Washington: June 15, 1775 - December 23, 1783

Continental Congress of the United States Presidents 
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781

John Hancock	July 2, 1776	October 29, 1777
Henry Laurens	November 1, 1777	December 9, 1778
John Jay	December 10, 1778	September 28, 1779
Samuel Huntington	September 29, 1779	February 28, 1781

Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789

Samuel Huntington	March 1, 1781	July 6, 1781
Samuel Johnston	July 10, 1781	Declined Office
Thomas McKean	July 10, 1781	November 4, 1781
John Hanson	November 5, 1781	November 3, 1782
Elias Boudinot	November 4, 1782	November 2, 1783
Thomas Mifflin	November 3, 1783	June 3, 1784
Richard Henry Lee	November 30, 1784	November 22, 1785
John Hancock	November 23, 1785	June 5, 1786
Nathaniel Gorham	June 6, 1786	February 1, 1787
Arthur St. Clair	February 2, 1787	January 21, 1788
Cyrus Griffin	January 22, 1788	January 21, 1789

Articles of Confederation Congress
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions

USCA	Session Dates	USCA Convene Date	President(s)
First	03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781*	03-02-1781	Samuel Huntington &  Thomas McKean
Second	11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782	11-05-1781	John Hanson
Third	11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783	11-04-1782	Elias Boudinot
Fourth	11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784	11-03-1783	Thomas Mifflin
Fifth	11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785	11-29-1784	Richard Henry Lee
Sixth	11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786	11-23-1785	John Hancock &  Nathaniel Gorham
Seventh	11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787	02-02-1787	Arthur St. Clair
Eighth	11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788	01-21-1788	Cyrus Griffin
Ninth	11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789**	None	None

* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new  United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781.  The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.  

** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.

Presidents of the United States of America

1789 - Present

POTUS - CLICK HERE

United Colonies and States First Ladies

1774 - Present

FLOTUS - CLICK HERE

Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America

Philadelphia	Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774	City Tavern & Carpenter’s Hall
Philadelphia	May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776	Pennsylvania State House
Baltimore	Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777	Henry Fite’s House
Philadelphia	March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777	Pennsylvania State House
Lancaster	September 27, 1777	Lancaster  Court House
York	Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778	York-town Court House
Philadelphia	July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783	College Hall - PA State House
Princeton	June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783	Prospect House - Nassau Hall
Annapolis	Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784	Maryland, State House
Trenton	Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784	French Arms Tavern
New York City	Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788	New York City Hall
New York City	October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789	Walter Livingston House
New York City	March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790	Federal Hall
Philadelphia	Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800	Congress Hall
Washington DC	November 17,1800 to Present	Two US Capitol Buildings

Chart Comparing Presidential Powers - Click Here

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Edited: Open AI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model] - https://chatgpt.com