Who Was Grover Cleveland?
Grover Cleveland was a staunch opponent of political corruption and a determined advocate for the integrity of public office. He served as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, a unique distinction, having lost his bid for re-election in 1888 but successfully reclaimed the presidency four years later. Cleveland earned the nickname “Guardian President” for his extensive use of veto power and his efforts to strengthen the executive branch, contributing to the shaping of the modern presidency.
Early Life
Stephen Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837, in Caldwell, New Jersey, to Ann Neal and Richard Falley Cleveland, a Presbyterian minister. As the fifth of nine children, Grover’s early years were marked by frequent moves around central New York State due to his father’s postings. Tragically, his father passed away when Cleveland was just 16, compelling him to abandon his formal education and begin working to support his family. Initially, Cleveland worked at the New York Institute for Special Education alongside his older brother before transitioning to a role as a clerk and part-time law student in Buffalo. His self-guided legal studies paid off when he passed the bar exam in 1858, despite lacking formal legal training.
Political Life and Presidency
Grover Cleveland’s political career was shaped more by opportunity than ambition. Though he avoided military service during the Civil War by paying a $300 substitute (a common practice at the time), Cleveland’s legal career progressed steadily. He served as district attorney for Erie County, sheriff, mayor of Buffalo, and governor of New York from 1882 to 1884, where his reputation for honesty earned him the nickname “Uncle Jumbo.”
During his first presidential term from 1885 to 1889, Cleveland struggled with his bachelorhood in the White House. However, he soon married Frances Folsom, the 21-year-old daughter of his late law partner, making her the youngest First Lady in U.S. history. The Clevelands had five children, three of whom were born during his time in office.
Cleveland’s first term also saw significant events, including the dedication of the Statue of Liberty and the surrender of Geronimo, marking the end of the Apache Wars. He opposed imperialistic actions, notably disapproving the annexation of Hawaii, which occurred after Benjamin Harrison’s presidency. Cleveland famously wrote, “I am ashamed of the whole affair.”
His opposition to imperialism extended to foreign policy as well, where he revived the Monroe Doctrine during a boundary dispute between Britain and Venezuela. Cleveland’s commitment to limiting government intervention was reflected in his historic use of veto power. He vetoed 584 bills during his presidency—more than any president before him, earning him the title “Guardian President.”
In his second term (1893-1897), Cleveland faced significant challenges, including the economic depression and the Pullman strike. His unyielding stance during the crisis, however, led to a decline in support from his party.
Death and Legacy
Cleveland passed away on June 24, 1908, at the age of 71 from a heart attack at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. His wife, Frances, was by his side, though their children were at the family’s country home in New Hampshire. Cleveland had suffered from heart issues since the previous autumn.
Cleveland was known for his strong work ethic and idealism, famously saying, “I have tried so hard to do right.” Despite being one of the lesser-known U.S. presidents, his legacy is marked by his commitment to honesty, fiscal restraint, and political integrity. A unique and lesser-known aspect of his legacy is his “secret tumor,” an epithelioma that was removed from the roof of his mouth during his second term. The tumor is now preserved at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia.
Cleveland’s presidency, though often overshadowed by other historical events, played a key role in shaping the executive branch of the U.S. government and maintaining a commitment to anti-corruption principles. His belief in the value of hardship and integrity left a lasting impact on American politics.