the rest of the storySo the answer today to the trivia question is William Henry Harrison.
I just learned this story when David and Lenessa were here in November while taking a tour of the city.
He was the 9th president and only served 30 days, 11 hours and 30 minutes. He was the first president to die while serving in office.
From what I have read about him he gained his fame from being a war hero in the Battle of Tippecanoe. It is said that when he gave his inaugural speech in March, it was a very cold day in D.C., but that he wanted to remind the country of his bravery from the battle and was a bit stubborn in wearing a coat. His speech is the longest in history which took two hours to read. He then, still without a coat, walked the parade route back to the White House in the cold. He caught a cold which then turned into pneumonia. He had trouble recovering and getting any rest because he had so much to do beginning as President and had many people trying to get him to choose them for different positions.
I have often thought of this story first hearing it. I don't know how true it is that he was so stubborn that he wouldn't put on a coat and he wanted to show how brave he was. Especially since there was no T.V. at the time and the only people that would have seen that would have been the ones at the capitol. (I am sure I will get some email from some ancestor who is offended by my summary of him) But from the three places I have read about him the story holds true. So my point is - the cause and effect of pride. I wonder how many things I do or don't do because I want to look or appear brave. And how many things I make up in my mind that I may think are weak when they are not. Like wearing a coat, that is just common sense.
I think this is a great story and why I love History. We can learn so much from the past and don't have to repeat mistakes if we take the time to learn from those who lived before us.
Congrats to Stacey who was the first person to give the full answer. 11.5 years of ribbon coming your way. (email me your address)
16 comments:
In that way history is kind of like the scriptures. There is so much to learn! The lessons can always change, depending upon the circumstances of our lives as well. Happy President's Day!
Thanks for the history lesson. I love your enthusiasm for American History!! Your new ward reminds me of when I served in Russia. It sounds like you guys are enjoying it and will be perfect for it!! Very cool!! Have a great week!!
A good history lesson, and I like how you related it to pride over silly things in life that can have such far reaching effects.
I wondered what kind of President's Day fun you'd be having today!
AND his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd president! Great story. Oh, History is the BEST!
great story, I had no idea! You have made me want to visit DC all the more. By the way, thanks for the comments on my blog...I am indeed connected with price cream parlor and sista #2..that's how I started blogging. Julie S. and I live in the same stake (used to be same ward) in Kentuc...we made the connection that we both loved your blog at a music makers group for our kids...it was totally funny. She told me that you are the one who taught her to make those adorable bags...good work!! Sorry such a long comment, small world.
Great comments about President's Day. I also loved hearing about your Sunday in your new ward. It makes me think that I'm sure there are people in my ward who have a "story" if I would just take the time to listen. I loved the story about taking the young men to the fireside and also the 15 passenger van. My beehive advisor had so much influence in my life because she took the time to be my friend. I realized after I became an adult and visited with her that I modeled my life after hers. It's amazing the influence we can have in the lives of others and how much we gain from those we serve.
shoot I am late! oh well thanks for the info...it is always fun to read and learn something....hey by the way...have you tried doing those twists on your hair with cloth rags..I don't know what you called them in English but it would give you a non-permanent perm at least until you wash it again... I used to do it when I was in highschool and sleep with it all night...it seemed to work fine!
Thats a lot of ribbon lol
I love learning about the Presidents. Have you ever read any of David McCullough's books (Truman, John Adams, 1776). I really thing you would like them. He is an amazing writer of history. He is such a story teller. Enjoy your week!
Oooh, coats! Erin goes mad if I try to put a cardigan or a coat on her. I should tell her, 'You don't want to end up like William Harrison!' :-O
What an apt story for the moment, from your snowy, icy corner!
What a bizarre tidbit. I had no idea. Since when does not wearing a coat amount to bravery? Strange.
Thanks for reminding me about history that I learned MANY years ago! If only I could keep all that info in my brain! It will be a great story to share when my kids refuse to wear their coats!
Hey whats the nickname for william? Bill...
whats the nickname for Jeremiah....ha ha Jeremiah!
I don't know how to respond to history but I remembered this story from the Blue Moon Diner....
Interesting story, and one I had never heard before. If going without a coat constitutes bravery, then Jill and I are two brave souls! Pride is insidious, isn't it? :)
Shoot! I miss one day and I miss the one question I totally knew.
That is an interesting history lesson! Thanks for that and yet another reminder to beware of pride.
Tonight at Enrichment we listened to this fantastic LDS Counselor/Lifestyle Coach who will present at BYU Education week and many other places. His name is Dr. Elia Gougouris.
He said the "anecdote for pride are the two words: You're right."
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