NAME Grover Cleveland
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Grover Cleveland is best known for being the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. He is also remembered for his integrity, directness, and for being a champion of political reform during an era of intense party politics.
BIRTH Born on March 18, 1837, in Caldwell, New Jersey.
FAMILY BACKGROUND His father, Richard Falley Cleveland, was a Presbyterian minister originally from Connecticut, and his mother, Ann (née Neal) Cleveland, was the daughter of a bookseller. Grover was one of nine children in a strict religious household.
CHILDHOOD Cleveland’s family moved frequently due to his father’s ministry. His early years were marked by a modest upbringing, with emphasis on education and religious devotion.
EDUCATION Grover Cleveland attended Fayetteville Academy and later the Clinton Liberal Academy. Although he didn't attend college, he studied law and became a lawyer in Buffalo, New York, at the age of 23.
CAREER RECORD Cleveland had a strong work ethic. Following his father's death, Cleveland's strong work ethic, possibly fueled by his Christian values, helped him support his family while pursuing a legal career. As president, he often worked until two or three o'clock in the morning
Cleveland served as a prosecutor in Erie County, New York, from 1863 to 1865.
He then practiced law in Buffalo until 1881, when he was elected Mayor of the city. He served as Mayor for two terms, known for fighting corruption.
Cleveland served as Governor of New York from 1883 to 1885. His anti-corruption reputation led to his first presidential election victory in 1884
In 1884, Cleveland was elected President of the United States. He served one term and was defeated for re-election in 1888. However, he was elected President again in 1892 and served a second term from 1893 to 1897.
Cleveland began his career as a lawyer before entering politics. He served as the Sheriff of Erie County, where he famously performed two executions, earning the grim title of the only U.S. president to serve as a hangman. He became Mayor of Buffalo in 1882, known for fighting corruption, and then served as Governor of New York from 1883 to 1885. His anti-corruption reputation led to his first presidential election victory in 1884 and again in 1892, making him the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
APPEARANCE Cleveland was a large man, weighing around 250 pounds, with a moustache and a commanding presence. His size earned him the nicknames "Uncle Jumbo" and “Big Steve.”
Cleveland had a stern expression and was often described as having a "strong, rugged face."
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| Gubernatorial portrait of Grover Cleveland |
FASHION Cleveland typically dressed in formal, conservative attire suitable for a man of his stature. He often wore three-piece suits and preferred simple, traditional styles.
CHARACTER He was known for his honesty, directness, and commitment to principles. His refusal to bend to political pressures or favors earned him both praise and criticism. He was nicknamed Grover The Good for his reputation for honesty and public integrity
SENSE OF HUMOUR Cleveland’s humor was dry and understated. He was not known as a particularly jovial man but did have a sharp wit when necessary.
RELATIONSHIPS Cleveland married Frances Folsom on June 2, 1886, in the White House, a unique occasion in U.S. history. Frances was 27 years younger than Cleveland, and they had met when she was a newborn. He helped raise her after her father's death, later marrying her when she turned 21, becoming the youngest ever First Lady.
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| Frances Folsom married Grover Cleveland on June 2, 1886, |
Together they had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood. When their second child, Esther, was born on September 9, 1893, she became the only baby born in the White House. The Baby Ruth candy bar was named after his daughter, Ruth Cleveland, who tragically died at the age of 12.
MONEY AND FAME Cleveland lived modestly despite his fame as president. He never sought wealth and remained focused on public service.
FOOD AND DRINK Grover Cleveland had a hearty appetite and enjoyed simple, substantial meals. His love for food was reflected in his large build.
For breakfast, Cleveland favored oatmeal, beefsteak, eggs or a chop, accompanied by coffee.
Despite the elaborate meals prepared at the White House, Cleveland often longed for simpler fare. He once expressed a desire for "pickled herring, a Swiss cheese and a chop" instead of the fancy French cuisine he was served
Cleveland was not particularly fond of the formal French-style dining that was common in the White House at the time. He inherited a French chef from the previous administration but often found the food too fancy for his liking1.
When possible, he preferred more straightforward, hearty meals. In one instance, smelling corned beef and cabbage from the servants' quarters, he requested to have their dinner instead of his own elaborate meal, declaring it the best food he had had in months1.
Cleveland was fond of cigars, often chewing them before inhaling the smoke deeply
Unfortunately, Cleveland's love for rich food and drink had negative health consequences. His fondness for beer, good food, and cigars contributed to gout, obesity, and eventually oral cancer
MUSIC AND ARTS Music was a central part of his wedding, where John Philip Sousa led the band, but Cleveland was not known to have a strong personal interest in the arts.
LITERATURE As a lifelong reader, Cleveland enjoyed works related to politics, law, and American history.
Cleveland has been the subject of numerous biographies, some of which have been adapted into educational media. Key titles include:
Grover Cleveland: A Study in Courage by Allan Nevins, a comprehensive biography that provides in-depth insight into Cleveland’s character and political life.
The Presidencies of Grover Cleveland by Richard E. Welch Jr., often used in educational discussions and media adaptations focusing on Cleveland’s political impact.
NATURE Cleveland was fond of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing. His most famous fishing trip, however, was a cover story for a secret cancer surgery during his second term.
PETS Grover Cleveland and his family were known for their fondness for animals. Here's a breakdown of the furry (and feathered) friends that shared their lives:
1. Canine Companions:
Poodle: While the breed's name remains a mystery, Cleveland had a loyal poodle by his side.
Hector: A dignified German Shepherd, adding a touch of German heritage to the pack.
Millie: This charming fox terrier perfected the art of begging for treats with her adorable sit-up routine.
Gallagher: A young cocker spaniel with a luxurious, silky brown coat, adding a touch of youthful energy.
Hunting Hounds: Foxhounds and Dachshunds kept the White House grounds lively while assisting with hunting activities.
St. Bernard: This prize-winning canine resided at their Buzzard's Bay home, likely a gentle giant.
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| https://americacomesalive.com/grover-clevelands-dogs-pets/ |
2.Feathered Friends:
Mockingbirds: Several of these songbirds graced the White House, primarily belonging to First Lady Frances Cleveland.
Canaries: The melodious chirps of canaries were a familiar sound, with daughter Ruth having her own feathered companion.
3. Beyond Dogs and Birds:
Fish: A vibrant aquatic display filled their home with goldfish and exotic varieties, including a unique paradise fish gifted by the ruler of Siam.
Ponies: Mrs. Cleveland enjoyed riding a pair of ponies, adding a touch of elegance to her outings.
Fowl Play: Game chickens and fowls added a touch of farmyard life near the stables.
Wild Hares: These provided unexpected entertainment as they roamed the White House grounds.
The Clevelands likely had even more furry and feathered friends than documented. Frances Cleveland, a true animal enthusiast, reportedly had so many birds "she lost track of their numbers, although she knew each one by name." Their pet-keeping habits also varied depending on their location, with their working farm in Georgetown Heights and summer home in Massachusetts likely offering different environments for their menagerie.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cleveland’s main pastime was fishing, and he was known to take numerous trips to escape the pressures of political life. He spent considerable time at his vacation home, Gray Gables, at Buzzard Bay, where "fishing became his obsession".
Cleveland enjoyed hunting as well, having learned to fish and hunt during his childhood in Fayetteville, New York.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Grover Cleveland's upbringing in a strict Presbyterian household, under the guidance of his minister father, Richard Falley Cleveland, had a profound impact on him throughout his life.
1. Shaped by Faith:
Cleveland himself acknowledged being "reared and taught in the strictest school of Presbyterianism," emphasizing the deep influence of Christian teachings on his values.
This religious foundation likely contributed to his reputation as one of the few truly honest politicians during the Gilded Age. Honesty and principled behavior became hallmarks of his character.
2. Faith in Action:
Cleveland's speeches and writings often referenced the Christian foundation of American republicanism, highlighting the connection between faith and good governance. He firmly believed that a successful government relies on "the morality, the justice and the honesty of the people."
His Thanksgiving Proclamations were unique in their inclusion of explicitly Christian language, even acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Source 1)
3. Solace in Difficult Times:
When his daughter Ruth passed away, Cleveland's faith provided him with solace. He wrote about adjusting his thinking through God's help, seeking comfort and avoiding despair.
His sister's observation of his "boyhood's faith brightening his dying hours" suggests that his Christian upbringing resonated with him throughout his life.
PRESIDENCY Now there was a fella named Grover Cleveland, a man so plain and ordinary, you’d think he’d be the last person in the world to end up in the White House. But that’s exactly what happened. He was a lawyer, a mayor of Buffalo, and a governor of New York, but he never really planned on being president. It just sort of fell into his lap.
He was a Democrat, which was a pretty rare breed back in those days when Republicans ruled the roost. Cleveland was a bit of a rebel, though. He didn’t like high tariffs, free silver, or imperialism. He was all about fiscal conservatism and political reform, and he was so honest and upright that even some Republicans liked him.
As president, he had to deal with some pretty tough times. The economy was in a shambles, and there were strikes and labor unrest all over the country. He tried his best to keep things under control, but it wasn’t easy. Some people blamed him for all the problems, and his popularity took a nosedive.
But even though he wasn’t the most exciting president in history, people respected him for his honesty and integrity. He was a good man, and he did his best to serve his country. And that’s really all you can ask for from a president, isn’t it?
POLITICS As the Sheriff of Erie County, Cleveland famously performed two executions, earning the grim title of the only U.S. president to serve as a hangman.
Cleveland is remembered for his anti-corruption stance and his defense of the gold standard. He was one of only two Democrats elected during an era dominated by Republicans from 1861 to 1933. His presidency was marked by his commitment to limited government and opposition to high tariffs.
He earned the nickname "His Obstinacy" due to his frequent use of the presidential veto power. In fact, he vetoed more bills than the first 21 presidents combined.
SCANDAL Cleveland’s first presidential campaign nearly faltered due to a sex scandal involving a child born out of wedlock. He admitted responsibility and paid child support, although it was uncertain whether he was the father. His honesty impressed voters, helping him overcome the controversy.
MILITARY RECORD Cleveland did not serve in the Civil War. Instead, he paid a substitute, a 32-year-old Polish immigrant, to fight in his place, a legal and common practice at the time.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Unfortunately, Cleveland's love for rich food and drink had negative health consequences. His fondness for beer, good food, and cigars contributed to gout, obesity, and eventually oral cancer
During his second term, he secretly underwent surgery for oral cancer aboard a yacht. This surgery was kept hidden from the public until 1917, nine years after his death.
HOMES Grover Cleveland's life took him from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land, and his residences reflected that journey.
1. Early Years:
Caldwell, New Jersey (1837): Cleveland's birthplace was a modest two-story frame house, marking the start of his life's journey.
Fayetteville, New York (1841-ish): This is where young Grover spent much of his childhood after the family relocated.
Clinton & Holland Patent, New York (1850-1853): The Clevelands moved twice more within a short period, with Holland Patent being Grover's home just before his father's passing.
2. Building a Career and Family:
Buffalo, New York: As Cleveland established himself as a lawyer and later became mayor, Buffalo became his home base.
3. Political Ascendancy:
Albany, New York: Cleveland's rise to Governor of New York meant a move to the state capital, Albany.
4. The White House Years:
Washington, D.C. (1885-1889 & 1893-1897): During his two non-consecutive terms as President, Cleveland called the White House home.
After his first term in office, Grover Cleveland bought a summer home along Buzzard’s Bay in Massachusetts, which the Clevelands called Gray Gables,
5. A Place to Rest:
Westland Mansion, Princeton, New Jersey (1897-1908): Chosen by Cleveland and his wife even before his second term ende, this historic residence became Cleveland's haven after his presidency. Here are some key details about Westland:
It was named "Westland" in honor of a dear friend, Professor Andrew West.
Originally built in 1854, it was expanded by Cleveland with a billiard room (his favorite escape).
Now a private residence, it remains closed to the public but stands as a National Historic Landmark.
TRAVEL While Cleveland did travel within the U.S., his presidency was during an era when international presidential travel was rare.
DEATH Grover Cleveland died on June 24, 1908, after suffering from heart problems. His final words were, “I have tried so hard to do right.” He is buried in the Princeton Cemetery in New Jersey.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cleveland has been portrayed in documentaries and educational programs, particularly those focused on the U.S. presidency.
Cleveland is mentioned in various historical gags in The Simpsons, with jokes about his status as the 22nd and 24th president.
ACHIEVEMENTS Cleveland’s presidency is remembered for his fight against corruption, his steadfastness in policy, and his unique achievement of serving two non-consecutive terms as president.
Source America Comes Alive!
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