Journey to 250: Virginia ~ Mother of Presidents 5
I never really wanted to be president. I didn’t really feel compelled by all of the political movements. However, because of my military leadership as a United States Army major general, others thought I would be great for the job.
Heritage of Military Leaders
I was born in Barboursville, VA, which you probably know as Orange County. I was the last president born before the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
I come from a family of military leaders, as my father served as a lieutenant colonel during the American Revolutionary War. Speaking of family, I have familial ties to pilgrims who were on the Mayflower, my second cousin is James Madison, and I have a third cousin you may know … General Robert E. Lee!
Strong Family Education
My family also valued education, although it took me some time to develop. My mother taught me to read and write at home, just like many of you. I was known as a quick learner, but struggled with spelling and grammar, and I had terrible handwriting! I was, however, able to overcome my shortcomings and become President of the United States! So if you struggle in some areas for now, keep working…who knows, maybe one day you will be president!
My wife and I had six children. During my time in the White House, I had the unfortunate task of performing many funeral services. When I was speaking at the funeral of Dolley Madison, I coined the phrase “First Lady” which is how we now refer to the wives of the presidents.
Membership Has Benefits!
Everyone can enjoy these posts for the next six weeks, but HEAV members download the entire mini unit—including ALL EIGHT presidents—in a ready-to-use PDF format. PLUS, you’ll also receive our fun, 48-page Field Trip Planner and the complete, printable “Mother of Presidents” map!
Not a member? Join HEAV today!
Family Tree Activity
I had so many family ties! In honor of this, create your own family tree. See if you are related to any well known people! We would love to know who you are related to. Don’t forget to post your family tree or just the names of some of your well known relatives to any HEAV social media page!
Who Am I?
(See answer below.)
ANSWER:
Who Am I? President Zachary Taylor
Journey to 250: Virginia Mother of Presidents
Join HEAV on a Journey to America’s 250th Year of Independence!
Click here for our Journey to 250: Virginia Mother of Presidents series! Discover all about American presidents from Virginia and enjoy fun activities for your homeschool.
