Biography of James Monroe

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James Monroe - our 5th President - was born on April 28th, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents were Spence Monroe, and Elizabeth Jones Monroe, and his family was of the planter class. Sadly, James’ parents died when he was in his mid-teens, so he moved to live with his uncle: Joseph Jones. Joseph then became James’ mentor, and great role model. After a few years with his uncle, he attended the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During his time in college there, the Revolutionary War was beginning to spark up, and Monroe proved himself to be an early patriot. He served as a Continental Army Officer leading Infantry under General George Washington in New York shortly after joining. He fought and distinguished himself in many battles, including the battle of Trenton, Mommouth, Brandywine, and Germantown, however he was severely wounded by a musketball to the shoulder as he led a charge against enemy cannon. After several years of service in the Colonies’ own Continental Army, Monroe studied law, taking Thomas Jefferson as his new mentor. In politics...

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