Category: Biographica

Washington Irving

Washington Irving, colorized illustration from original black and white

Washington Irving (1783-1859) WHO HE WAS: Washington Irving was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is known as the first American man of letters, and he is credited with introducing the short story as a new genre in American literature. Irving is best remembered for

Frederick Remington

Frederick Remington, Self Portrait

Frederick Remington (1861-1909) WHO S/HE WAS: Frederic Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the Old American West, specifically concentrating on the last quarter of the 19th century American West and images of cowboys, American Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry. WHAT S/HE SAID: Everything is quiet. There is

King David Kalakaua

King David Kalakaua

King David Kalakaua (1836-1891) WHO S/HE WAS: King Kalakaua was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. He served in office from February 12, 1874 until his death in San Francisco, California, on January 20, 1891. WHAT S/HE SAID: In 1899, in the wake of the Spanish-American War, Addams spoke-out against American imperialism:

Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) WHO HE WAS: Millard Fillmore served as the 13th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by a mix of accomplishments and controversies. Fillmore signed the Compromise of 1850 into law, attempting to address the contentious issue of slavery in new territories. His leadership during this period reflected the challenges

Sanford Dole

Sanford Dole

Sanford Dole (1844-1826) WHO S/HE WAS: Sanford B. Dole was a politician and jurist of Hawaii as a kingdom, protectorate, republic and territory. Conspired with Ambassador John L. Stevens to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy of Queen Liliuokalani. WHAT S/HE SAID: I cannot help feeling that the chief end of this meeting is plantation profits, and

Oliver Hazard Perry

Oliver Hazard Perry, Hero of Lake Erie

Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) WHO HE WAS: Oliver Hazard Perry was a distinguished officer in the United States Navy, renowned for his heroic role in the War of 1812, especially during the Battle of Lake Erie. His leadership and naval tactics secured American control over the lake, bolstering the nation’s morale and influencing the outcome

John Calhoun

John C. Calhoun, Advocate of States' Rights and Slavery

John Calhoun (1782-1850) WHO HE WAS: John C. Calhoun was an American statesman and political theorist from South Carolina, serving as the seventh Vice President of the United States under two different presidents. He was also a senator, a secretary of war, and a secretary of state. Calhoun was an ardent defender of states’ rights

William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison, America's Briefest-Serving President

William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) WHO HE WAS: William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States, an American military officer, and a politician. Known for his leadership during the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, he earned the nickname “Old Tippecanoe.” Harrison’s presidency, however, is most remembered for its brevity; he died of pneumonia

Tenskwatawa: The Prophet

colored drawing of Tenskwatawa, also known as The Prophet

Tenskwatawa: The Prophet (c. 1775-1836) WHO HE WAS: Tenskwatawa, commonly known as “The Prophet,” was a pivotal Shawnee religious leader. The younger brother of the famed Tecumseh, he catalyzed a spiritual and cultural renaissance among Native American tribes during the early 1800s. WHAT HE SAID: “The Great Spirit has made us all. He is for