Andrew Johnson - Early Life and Political Start

Early Life and Political Start

Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 29, 1808, to Jacob Johnson (1778–1812) and Mary ("Polly") McDonough (1783–1856), a laundress. He had a brother William four years his elder and an older sister Elizabeth, who died in childhood. The future president was born in a log cabin—a natal characteristic which in the 19th century was a potent symbol of political virtue and simplicity. Johnson's grandfather William was a poor man, as was his father. In Raleigh, Jacob Johnson became town constable, married and started a family. He died of an apparent heart attack while ringing the town bell, shortly after rescuing three drowning men, leaving his family in poverty when Andrew was three. Polly Johnson had worked as a washerwoman; she continued in that trade as the sole support of her children. At the time, her occupation, which often took her into others' homes unaccompanied, was considered be less than respectable: the Johnsons were considered white trash, and there were rumors that Andrew, who did not resemble his siblings, was fathered by another man. Polly Johnson remarried; Andrew's stepfather, Turner Doughtry, was also poor.

As a youngster living in poverty, along with his childhood friends, Johnson was an object of ridicule from members of higher social circles; as such, he was commonly referred to as "poor white trash" by the elite in Raleigh. He and his peers were acutely aware that they were one step above the lowest on the socio-economic ladder, i.e. the black community. As a consequence, Johnson assumed an attitude of white supremacy typical of one in his position in his town, which he kept throughout his life.

His mother bound Andrew as a boy of ten years as an apprentice tailor; he was legally bound to serve until he was 21. Johnson had no formal education but taught himself how to read and write, with some help from his masters, as was their obligation under his apprenticeship. At age 16 or 17, Johnson left his apprenticeship and ran away with his brother William. They lived in Laurens, South Carolina for two years, where Andrew found work as a tailor. Here he met his first love, Mary Wood. After his marriage proposal to her was rejected, he returned to Raleigh. As his master J. Selby refused to release him from his apprenticeship obligation, Johnson left the state and went to Mooresville, Alabama. There Joseph Sloss taught him how to tailor frock coats.

Johnson went with his mother, stepfather and brother to Greeneville, Tennessee. There he established a successful tailoring business in the front of his home; he was joined by a partner, Hentle W. Adkinson. At the age of 18, Johnson married 16-year-old Eliza McCardle in 1827; she was the daughter of a local shoemaker. The couple were married for 50 years and had five children: Martha (1828), Charles (1830), Mary (1832), Robert (1834), and Andrew Jr. (1852). Though she suffered from consumption, Eliza supported Johnson's endeavors. She taught her husband arithmetic up to basic algebra and tutored him to improve his literacy, reading, and writing skills.

Reading about famous orators aroused Johnson's interest in political dialogue and private debates with customers having opposing views on issues of the day. Johnson initiated public debates by organizing a debating society with Blackston McDannel, a customer. He also took part in debates at Tusculum College in Greeneville.