Thomas Jefferson grew to be nearly as tall as his fellow Virginian, George Washington. Washington’s physician left his records listing the height of Washington as 6’ 3 ½ s” inches exact! Tom’s height was listed as 6’ 2 ½”.
Both men grew up as natives of Virginia and both were known as great horsemen, with the nod going to Washington as the slightly better rider. Both of them also learned a great deal from their fathers, despite losing them at an early age. Tom’s father, Peter, died in 1757, when Tom was only 14.
While still in his youth, Benjamin Franklin became convinced that a person’s character was inextricably intertwined with one’s happiness. For that reason, Ben designed a plan to help him to become as perfect in character as he possibly could. He called the plan his “Project for Moral Perfection” and he worked at it his whole life through.
There is much talk these days about our U.S. Constitution. There is not as much talk about the “Father of the Constitution” as James Madison is known. He is, after all, the one who got the framers together to amend the Articles of Confederation. And that took some doing. George Washington didn’t want to attend—he didn’t think it could be successfully accomplished!
About all that anyone knows about Patrick Henry is that some time in history he gave a great speech which included the words: “Give me liberty, or give me death!” And that he did. But he did much more.
John Adams as you know, was elected to succeed George Washington as the President of the United States of America. He had had a great deal to do with the creation of this new nation. He doesn’t get remembered too much for his contributions. He knew it would be that way.
The new leader of the Democrat party slams President Trump as the “worst president ever.” I suppose he lived through all of them.
When someone says that America isn’t a Christian nation, I understand. It’s just that I believe they don’t know history. American principles are based on the Christian religion and on the Bible. No, that’s just history.
Benjamin Franklin was greeted with a hero’s welcome when he arrived back in America in 1785. He had been in Paris, France, under the direction of Congress to finally achieve a Treaty, The Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. In that achievement he was assisted by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and John Jay. They were successful, and the Treaty was heavily in favor of the United States.
But this much I can tell you, it’s clear to me who the favorite Founding Father is in the hearts of my listeners. It’s obviously Benjamin Franklin. My lectures about Ben are the most popular, bring the highest attendance, and produce the most questions and comments. And I do love Benjamin Franklin.