Grover Cleveland was the only US President to serve non-consecutive terms. He was born in New Jersey, served as a lawyer and sheriff, and became mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York before being elected President in 1884 and again in 1892. He oversaw the dedication of the Statue of Liberty and the creation of important acts, but was criticized for his lack of imagination and handling of economic problems. He also faced rumors of fathering an illegitimate child.
Stephen Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. Born March 18, 1837, he holds the impressive distinction of being the only president to hold the presidency for non-consecutive terms. His first presidency lasted from 1885 to 1889 and his second term lasted from 1893 to 1897. Grover Cleveland is also remembered as the only Democrat to reach office during the period of Republican domination that extended from about 1860 until 1912.
Grover Cleveland’s life began in Caldwell, New Jersey. He had four brothers and four sisters and was fifth in age line. His father was a pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell; it was because of his father’s association with the church that Grover Cleveland was named Steven after the first pastor of the church where his father served. Grover Cleveland lived most of the 1840s in Fayetteville, New York, but moved frequently to follow his father’s many moves as a church minister. Generally, however, he lived in the southern and central parts of New York State.
Although Grover Cleveland was alive at the time of the Civil War, he did not serve in the war along with other men his age. Possessing a significant amount of wealth, he was able to pay another man to take his place in the war. However, he wasn’t entirely against public service, as he entered the realm of politics at just 19, serving with James Buchanan’s presidential campaign. In addition to campaign work, Grover Cleveland spent some of his adult years as an attorney in Buffalo, New York. In 1870 he became sheriff of Erie County, New York.
In 1881, Grover Cleveland became mayor of Buffalo, New York. Just a year later, he was elected governor of New York State, working through some issues with Theodore Roosevelt, who was then a state legislator. Two years later, he was elected president by both Republican Democrats and reformers. Although he was of a different party, Cleveland was able to capitalize on the dislike of his opponent, Senator James G. Blaine. Republicans who supported Cleveland criticized Blaine, calling him corrupt.
Grover Cleveland’s campaign was not without its critics. In fact, his opponent has spread a rumor that he may have fathered an illegitimate child while he was a lawyer. Cleveland admitted to paying child support for the child, but it’s unclear whether or not he was the child’s father. Some have speculated that he agreed to support the child because he was the only unmarried man among the other legal partners who could have fathered the child. He did eventually marry, however, marrying Frances Cornelia Folsom in 1886 and enjoying a White House wedding; the couple had five children.
Grover Cleveland is remembered for several important presidential acts, including overseeing the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886. In addition, the American Federation of Labor, the Interstate Commerce Act, and the Dawes Act were created during his years as president. who supported his presidency praised him for being honest, independent and committed to classic federalism. His opponents criticized him for his lack of imagination and for being overwhelmed by economic problems.
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