In 1863 there lived a young, penniless widow in New Hampshire named Sarah Hale. She established a popular magazine called “Godey’s Lady Book.” In her “book” she wrote some columns, some articles, some editorials, and even some recipes. (Reminds you a little of Benjamin Franklin and his “Poor Richard’s Almanac” doesn’t it?)
Among other things, Sarah Hale encouraged a national celebration of Thanksgiving. You see, Thanksgiving at that time was a State by State holiday on different days. And it was a religious holiday—a day for saying thanks to God for his many blessings.
Some say that whatever a man has decided to have placed on his tombstone says a lot about what that man considered to be of greatest importance in his life. Knowing that you would think that a man who accomplished as much in his life as did Thomas Jefferson would need a large grave marker. Or perhaps he’d need several tombstones to give the full story.
bookstore long ago. This bookstore sold used books and I bought this one. I don’t remember where or when. The book is “Ben Franklin’s Almanac of Wit, Wisdom and Practical Advice” with the sub title “Useful Tips and Fascinating Facts for Every Day of the Year” by the Eidtors of The Old Farmer’s Allmanac.”
–James Madison
I’m going to break with tradition a little bit tonite and quote a little bit from my upcoming book, “A Patriot in Prison.” I believe Patrick Henry will be proud of this book, since he was a great champion of the Grand Jury system—as it was in his day!
After Thomas Jefferson completed his draft of the Declaration of Independence, he submitted it to the committee ordained for that purpose. They made only a few changes or suggestions. Then it was placed before the whole Congress for its adoption.
I want to wish all you Fathers a Happy Father’s Day, 2016! Being a father myself, I know how good it makes you feel to be acknowledged as a good father.
And James Madison, known as “The Father of the Constitution” also had no children of his own. He married Dolley Madison, who had children from a prior marriage, and who, like Martha Washington, was a widow when she married James Madison. He helped raise her children, but again they had no children together.