Paul E. Johnson, with the help of painstakingly thorough research, tells the story of a drunken, deviant, death-defying daredevil that would create his own fame from his many daring stunts. This daredevil, Sam Patch, would become an American icon through folklore and storybooks for his magnificent jumps from the tops of waterfalls into the waters below. The book begins with a look into Sam Patch’s lineage. The most important of Sam’s ancestors’ was his father, whom was a drunkard and ultimately a failure to the family. He lost everything and left the family to fend for themselves. As a young boy, Sam began working in a mill, where he eventually became one of the best “mule spinners” in the town of Pawtucket. It was there that he and a group of other young boys his age began jumping over the Pawtucket Falls, a large waterfall in the town. They treated it like an art, and eventually became known throughout the town for their refined “style.”
In his twenties, Sam Patch had made a name for himself as among the best mule spinners around, and in his mid-twenties, he left Pawtucket and “reappeared in Paterson, New Jersey- twelve miles west of New York City…a bigger factory town than Pawtucket…” (Johnson, 41). Paterson was well known for being the site of Passaic Falls as well, which would play a large role in Sam’s life. He began work at one of the mills as a high-ranking mule spinner for a man named Thomas Crane. Thomas Crane eventually began making his workforce mad by moving dinner hour forward an hour, treating the workers poorly, etc. He also began construction of a building on the river that the Passaic Falls are on, and right next to the falls as well. This was an outrage to many of the workers, as they used the area around the f...
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...elebrity, starting in the rural countryside of South Carolina with little education to becoming a president of the United States of America (Foner, 379).
Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper does an excellent job of tracing Sam Patch’s life from birth until death. The details that are included in it is exhaustive, and almost unnecessarily so. Every facet of Sam Patch’s life, every character that he meets, everywhere that he goes, Johnson does a phenomenal job of providing details for all of them. The only limits of the book were the ones that history created, and not the author (lack of relevant records, false information, etc.) However, the book does become too thorough at times, and it becomes tedious and tiring to read. As an account of the life of Sam Patch, however, Johnson would have a very difficult time creating a better, more detailed account of this American icon.
This reputation describes him as a “self-made” man, coming from a difficult family life. In his early biographies Lincoln portrayed that he came from a poor and uneducated family in which he defied on his path to success. He claimed, “I was born and have ever remained in the most humble walks of life” (Hofstadter 122). By constantly putting himself down, and talking about his previous adversities he “placed himself with the poor, the aged, and the forgotten” (123). However, Hofstadter believed the reasoning behind Lincoln’s constant reminder of his struggles was just to gain sympathy and support in his political career. As historians later found out Lincoln’s family life gave him a much better start than he originally claimed (Winkle 2). Hofstadter set out to prove how Lincoln’s reputation as a “self-made” man was simply just a myth. By using his self-made ethic it advanced not only his political career, it had social and cultural functions as well. He exploited his humble beginnings and people flocked to his word. However, even if Lincoln being self-made was a myth, in believing so it helped to shape the course of Lincoln’s life, to leave his family, to become educated, and to go on to be one of the best president’s in our nation’s
Norman Mclean’s A River Runs Through It explores many feelings and experiences of one “turn of the century” family in Missoula, Montana. In both the movie, directed by Robert Redford, and the original work of fiction we follow the Mcleans through their joys and sorrows. However, the names of the characters and places are not purely coincidental. These are the same people and places known by Norman Mclean as he was growing up. In a sense, A River Runs Through It is Mclean’s autobiography. Although these autobiographical influences are quite evident throughout the course of the story they have deeper roots in the later life of the author as he copes with his life’s hardships.
Born into the elite, Thomas Jefferson was raised in power and was familiar with wealth. From Jane Randolph, Jefferson’s mother, he was able to obtain a prominent
John Calvin Coolidge, soon to be the 30th president of the United States, was born on Independence Day, 1872 in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. His father, who was also named John Calvin Coolidge Sr. was a hard working farmer, storekeeper, and businessman. Coolidge Sr. cared for his son after his wife died of tuberculosis when Calvin was just twelve. Abigail Grace Coolidge, Calvin's younger sister died when she was just fifteen, a few years after their mother had died. After Coolidge graduated Black River Academy, he went on to study law at Amherst College, Massachusetts, then passing his bar exam in 1897, which is an exam students must take before they can become attorneys. A year later after his bar exam, he opened his own law office in Northampton where he handled real estate deals (land and buildings) and bankruptcies. He gained reputation for being a hard working man and solving problems his own way --by staying out of court. Shortly after, he married Grace Anna Goodhue, a teacher at Clarke School for the Deaf. They had two sons, one of which was Calvin Jr., who passed on from an unt...
In New Salam Lincoln drifted from one job to another: store clerk, mill hand, partner in a general store, postmaster and surveyor. In a debating club he had his first contact with political issues. Abraham Lincoln had a special talent for speeches and in the club he had the chance to prove it. His audience in the club was captivated by his speeches and views. They encouraged him to determine for a job in a public office. Lincoln went in 1834 for a job in the Whigs and received a parliamentary seat for the House of Representativ...
Many physical conditions of the race helped us understand Paulsen’s determination and love towards his dogs and how he developed personally through the race. The author illustrates his frightening moment of Happy canyon during the race. Since Paulsen wasn’t told anything specific information about Happy canyon, he was very unprepared for vertical drop down the cliff.
Born December 29, 1808; Andrew Johnson embarked on a political campaign that watched him rise from absolute destitution to the heights of President of the United States. Andrew Johnson was born in a log cabin in Raleigh North Carolina.(1) His parents Jacob and Polly were both illiterate, hence, Andrew had basically no education during his youth. Jacob Johnson, Andrew’s father, passed away when Andrew was quite young, leaving Polly to take care of Andrew and his brother William four years his senior.(2) With next to no money, Polly Johnson did the only thing she could to make ends meet.
American success history recognizes the contributions made by two of its renowned leaders. The two are regarded as heroes despite the obvious differences between them abound. The two figures are regarded with comparable amounts of reverence even though they lived their lives in different ways. Nevertheless, both Benjamin Franklin and Fredrick Douglas gained their status through treading pathway of hard work. This paper, therefore, seeks to discuss the experiences that shaped the lives of both Franklin and Douglas. It also seeks to analyze the life of Fredrick Douglas as presented by John Stauffer. In comparing the two personalities, I will lay much emphasis on the role education played in making better the lives of Franklin and Douglas. In this regard, it is worth noting that although their education was not that formal, it shaped their lives immensely. Franklin education, for instance, came while working under his brother James as an apprentice printer during his teen years. On the other hand, Douglas’s tale is much bleaker, but it depicts the use of wits coupled with natural talent to pull oneself to a respectable stature (Zafar 43). It is clear that Franklin persuasive rhetorical skills, which came in handy, in writing and oratory skills were natured by induction to printing apprenticeship as well as a great access to a variety of books. Critiques in later years would argue his love for books and learning made Franklin become an accomplished speaker, thinker, author, and a statement. In a nutshell, access to books and love for learning shaped Franklin’s Character to a great extent.
To those pursuing the highest echelon of power in the United States- the Presidential office in the 1830’s, pedigree, privilege, and wealth were the necessary virtues of birth for those trying to imitate the leadership, poise, and brevity of a Washington or an Adams. Yet, Andrew Jackson was born into none of these and one day assumed the coveted position of President of the United States. Andrew Jackson was truly the first American leader to be a “Man of the People.” He was a man who truly understood the plight of the common man, and he exemplified the words so gloriously preserved in the constitution. Jackson was a president of the people, elected by the people, and for the people.
John C. Calhoun, also known as the " cast-iron man." Born in California on March 18, 1782, I am sure could never imagine in his life that he would become seventh vice president of the United States of America as well as secretary of war and state. I mean he studied law under Tapping Reeve at Litchfield Conn. Then in 1808, he officially began his public career in South Carolina where he then lived until his death in 1850. Being born in the frontier was not a bad thing, at least not for Mr.Calhoun. In 1811 he married his cousin, Floride Calhoun and from that he acquired a large plantation. In the same year he also began working as chairman of the house of committee on foreign affairs. He was one of the " leading warhawks " and encouraged the war of 1812. His act as chairman ended in 1817. But that did not stop him from remaining a nationalist after the war. He was also an efficient secretary of war from 1817 to 1825, under president Monroe.Also in 1825 John Calhoun became the vice president for John Quincy Adams .
Occupying the centre of a vast array of paintings, postcards, books and plays, Niagara Falls has become a national icon. Since American independence, Niagara Falls has “assumed nationalistic meaning as the search for cultural/national symbols fixed on nature for America’s identity” (Irwin, xiv). Those select few who had the opportunity to view the falls in the eighteenth century pointed to its majestic beauty and transcendental nature as proof of America’s greatness. It was not until the construction of railroads in the middle of the nineteenth century however, that the majority of Americans were able to experience the falls first hand. At this time, the quest to find meaning in this natural wonder came to a climax. Niagara Falls became a battleground on which Americans sought to interpret the message they knew that Mother Nature had left for them to discover. As a result, Niagara Falls came to symbolize the importance of marriage, spirituality, and technological advancement in the construction of an American identity.
President Carter entered office with a humble but solid background. He grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia but continued on to serve in the Navy and become the Governor of Georgia. President Carter studied at Georgia Southwestern College and Georgia Institute of Technology before transferring to the United States Naval Academy and earning a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in 1946. He also did graduate work involving reactor technology and nuclear physics at Union College. The topics he studied were very relevant to the energy issues he conquered during his presidency. After serving in the Navy for 7 years and frequently moving to better positions, President Carter was elected to serve as a member on the Georgia State Senate. He made many advances in the quality of education for all children. However, he made many more changes once he was elected as Governor of Georgia. First, he launched a statewide kindergarten program and made strides to improve education for mentally handicapped children. As Governor, President Carter also promoted equal rights for women and all races. His great actions as Governor gave him experience to become an effective President and make changes to improve the gover...
In “Base and Superstructure in Marxist Cultural Theory,” Williams describes the existence of “residual” and “alternative” cultures within the dominant culture of the modern era. According to Williams definition of “residual” and “alternative” culture, Sam Patch’s leap at Passaic Falls on July 4th, 1828 was indeed a form of residual alternative culture. The term “residual alternative culture” can be defined as an alternative cultural practice to a modern dominant culture that is influenced by old cultural practices. Sams 4th of July leap represented a cultural alternative to the residual practice of excluding lower-class citizens from Independence Day celebrations in Patterson. Sam was trying to incorporate the plain people of Patterson into
A lighthouse’s piercing beam of light shines over the murky land, providing respite—albeit brief—from the harsh battering of the neighboring terrain. Trouble, by Gary D. Schmidt, wraps this picture eloquently in the form of a compelling and captivating contemporary fiction book. Trouble primarily centers around a boy named Henry Smith, who never really understood the formidable potential of the omnipotent entity Trouble in his safe and idyllic life. Henry had always fallen into the dark shadow of his brother, Franklin, as a result of Franklin’s physical prowess. “…especially since he could never hope to match the records that Franklin—Franklin Smith, O Franklin Smith, the great lord of us all, Franklin Smith—had put up on the wooden Athletic Records panels for his rugby play.” (7). Henry’s brother, however, was extremely arrogant, and put his brother down at every chance he got, which causes Trouble to appear. “‘You do that climb, you have guts…you don't have any guts.’ Franklin punched his arm. Too hard. Then he laughed and walked away.” (38). Although the word “Trouble” usually brings to mind pictures of kids attempting to pull their parents’ hair out, it strikes the Smith family in a very different way: with the death of their Franklin due to being run over by Chay Chouan, a Cambodian immigrant. The family is utterly devastated with Trouble’s unforeseen arrival. “And his father hadn't shaved—which was, Henry thought, the first time that had ever happened.” (11). Having been promised to be taken to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine, right before Franklin had died, Henry takes the news the worst. His thoughts completely revolve around Katahdin, and how he would hike it at any cost, if just to...
After finishing his schooling, LBJ took his first steps in the political world. At a state railroad commission meeting, a former governor, Pat Neff, never showed up to give his speech. This gave LBJ an opportunity of a lifetime. LBJ stood up with great confidence and made a speech for him, showing his skills in public speaking. The speech, although generic, had a great affect on his political career. His initiative gave him his break into politics because a man by the name Welly Hopkins. After hearing the speech, Hopkins felt Johnson was a bright man and appointed him manager of his campaign. Later he recommended him to Richard Kleberg, who was a federal representative for the state of Texas. This was his passage into Washington. As secretary for Kleberg, he did most of the work and worked his way on up the government ladder to become President of the United States. These factors of initiative, ...