Author Archives: Steven W. Allen, J.D.


About Steven W. Allen, J.D.

Steven W. Allen, J.D. is an author, speaker, and retired attorney. His book "Founding Fathers - Uncommon Heroes" is popular with all ages and is used in many schools. See his other books at www.StevenAllenBooks.com

John and John Quincy Adams

Posted on by November 18, 2015

John_Quincy_Adams_by_George_Caleb_Bingham_(detail),_c._1850_after_1844_original_-_DSC03235One of the delights of John Adams’ old age was the satisfaction of having his son, John Quincy Adams, be sworn in as the 6th President of the United States of America. This took place in 1825, the year before the death of John Adams.

John’s son, John Quincy, won his election to the Presidency by only one vote when the evenly divided popular vote threw the election into the House of Representatives for a deciding vote.

The House was also evenly divided on the issue. When one final vote was taken, the Congressman from New York, in an answer to his prayer, picked up a crumpled ballot, and voted for the name on the ballot, esteeming it an answer to his prayer. The name on that crumpled up ballot was John Quincy Adams. read more

Jefferson’s War and the Barbary Pirates

Posted on by November 17, 2015

ThomasJeffersonIn the early days of our Nation, John Adams at first didn’t want to build up our Navy after the Revolutionary War. When Thomas Jefferson was elected to replace Adams, the nations of Europe and the United States were becoming more and more subject to the pirates of the Barbary coast.

When merchants wanted to sail through the Mediterranean Sea they were charged a bounty by the Barbary Pirates in order to pass Tripoli and other ports without being attacked. The Barbary Pirates were actually Muslims trying to extort benefits for not destroying the ships together with their cargoes. Most nations went along with this blackmail. It was just easier than fighting. read more

More About C.S. Lewis

Posted on by November 16, 2015

Illgegal Trial of Christ coverI hope you understand that I enjoyed reading “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. Pick it up for yourself. Not only will you learn something about Christianity, but also about yourself and progress. You will learn things about Christianity, but also about life and decisions you make. Let me give you one example:

“ . . . progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man. read more

C. S. Lewis and Christianity

Posted on by November 15, 2015

445192825_011af775a5_mMost people know C. S. Lewis as the author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and that he wrote some other stuff about Christianity. But few know that he was at first an atheist. Through experiences in his life he became a Christian.

He wanted others to be able to find the same things he did, so he held a series of radio broadcasts in 1942 to 1944 about the Christian Faith he had by then endorsed. These speeches were gathered into a book titled “Mere Christianity.” It was addressed to people at war, and contains some amazing insights. read more

George Washington’s Farewell

Posted on by November 14, 2015

Landsdowne paintingAfter his second term of office as President of the United States, George Washington wanted to leave some advice and counsel. This was especially important to him as he had served this country respectably, admirably and with honor his whole life. From the French and Indian war, to the Revolutionary War, to the Constitutional Convention, and finally in the nation’s first Presidency for two terms.

He declined to serve a third term, setting an example for posterity. But he wanted to leave a final message. Washington’s Farewell Address was once required reading for all members of Congress. It has some exceptional and wise words for all Americans to consider—carefully. read more

George Washing Looking Back

Posted on by November 13, 2015

GeorgeWashingtonGeorge was an indispensable man in history. He had something to say about looking back:

“We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear-bought experience.”

John Adams added:

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

As you know, John Adams was the attorney who argued in defense of the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trials. (If you didn’t know that then perhaps you would like to read the book “Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes.”) read more

Jefferson Speaking of Madison

Posted on by November 12, 2015

ThomasJeffersonAs you know Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were great friends.

As Jefferson completed his mansion “Monticello”, he built into the second floor a room dedicated to visits from James and Dolley Madison.

Jefferson also sent Madison a trunk full of volumes of books from France, regarding government and history to help Madison in drafting the U.S. Constitution. Jefferson was serving as Minister to France at the time at the discretion of Congress.

The erudite Jefferson was excited and inspired by the learning and academic study of James Madison. Here’s what Thomas Jefferson said about his kindred spirit, James Madison: read more

James Madison and Politics

Posted on by November 11, 2015

JamesMadisonAs you know, James Madison is known as “The Father of the Constitution.” He was very knowledgeable and astute when it came to governments. He also had an idea about what to look for in your government leaders. This is how he described his philosophy:

“The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and . . . to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.” read more

Patrick Henry’s Claim to Fame

Posted on by November 10, 2015

PatrickHenryMost people today don’t know very much about Patrick Henry. Through my study of the Founding Fathers, he has become one of my favorites. He had much to say to us and to do for us. Not the least off which was his example of good character.

Perhaps a fitting epitaph of this amazing man is the one paid to him by his grandson who described Henry as always setting “a good example of honesty, benevolence, hospitality and every social virtue. He assisted in the education of his . . . children and especially devoted much time to earnest efforts to establish true Christianity in our country.” read more

John Adams and Trust

Posted on by November 9, 2015

JohnAdamsJohn Adams is possibly to most forgotten Founding Father and President we have had as a new nation. He did and said some amazing things. Here’s one of his thoughts:

“There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.”

I wonder what he would think of today’s situation in the world!”