Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson, who served as the seventeenth president of the United States, was born on December 29, 1808.

Andrew Johnson married Eliza McCardle on October 4, 1810. Eliza was the daughter of John McCardle and Sarah Phillips McCardle.

Jacob Johnson, Andrew's father, passes away.

After the death of Jacob Johnson in January 1812, Andrew Johnson's mother, Mary McDonough Johnson, married Turner Daughtry on May 6, 1812.

Andrew Johnson and his brother William are apprenticed to James Selby, a tailor.

On February 18, 1822, Andrew Johnson was apprenticed to tailor James J. Selby in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In September 1826, Andrew Johnson, accompanied by his mother and step-father, arrives in Greeneville, Tennessee, marking a significant relocation in his life.

On May 17, 1827, Andrew Johnson and Eliza McCardle enter into marriage, marking a pivotal personal event in Johnson's life.

On October 25, 1828, Martha Johnson, a significant figure in the Johnson family, is born.

In 1829, Andrew Johnson achieves the position of alderman in Greeneville, marking an early milestone in his political career.

On February 19, 1830, Charles Johnson, son of Andrew Johnson, was born in Greeneville, Tenn.

On July 30, 1830, Andrew Johnson purchased the Tailor Shop at a public auction.

On May 8, 1832, Mary Johnson Stover Brown, daughter of Andrew Johnson, was born in Greeneville, Tenn.

On January 4, 1834, Andrew Johnson was elected as the mayor of Greeneville.

In 1835, Andrew Johnson joined the Tennessee state legislature, which was a significant step in his political journey.

Andrew Johnson was defeated for reelection to the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Andrew Johnson was reelected as a Democrat to the Tennessee House of Representatives, and he remained affiliated with the Democratic Party for most of his political career.

Andrew Johnson was elected to the Tennessee Senate.

Andrew Johnson buys a slave named Sam for $541.00.

Andrew Johnson buys Sam's half-sister, Dolly, for $500.00.

Andrew Johnson is reelected to Congress in 1845.

In 1846, Mar. 27, the representative from Tennessee, U.S. House of Representatives first introduced a homestead bill, an issue he would continue to champion in future legislative sessions.

Andrew Johnson is reelected to Congress in 1847.

Andrew Johnson is reelected to Congress in 1849.

In 1851, May 5, the representative from Tennessee, U.S. House of Representatives joined the Masons at Greeneville Lodge No. 3.

Andrew Johnson, Jr., also known as 'Frank', was born on August 5, 1852. He passed away on March 12, 1879.

In 1853, Andrew Johnson becomes Governor of Tennessee.

In 1855, Andrew Johnson was re-elected as the Governor of Tennessee.

In 1857, Andrew Johnson broke his arm in a train accident.

Andrew Johnson remained loyal to the United States after Tennessee seceded from the union on June 8, 1861.

On March 4, 1862, Andrew Johnson was appointed as the military governor of Tennessee and subsequently resigned from the Senate.

On August 8, 1863, Andrew Johnson freed his personal slaves, and this date is still celebrated as a regional holiday.

On October 22, 1864, Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation freeing all the slaves in Tennessee, a significant step towards the abolition of slavery in the United States.

On March 4, 1865, Johnson became the vice president of the United States after being chosen as President Lincoln's running mate.

Andrew Johnson became the 17th President of the United States following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Andrew Johnson became the 17th President of the United States following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated on April 15, 1865.

Andrew Johnson delivers an address to the nation upon assuming the office of President of the United States.

President Johnson rejects the lenient terms of surrender agreed upon by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, leading to Johnston's surrender to Sherman on harsher terms.

President Andrew Johnson issues an executive order declaring that the conspirators in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln are subject to the jurisdiction of and lawfully triable before a military commission.

President Andrew Johnson issues Proclamation 131 offering rewards for the arrests of prominent Confederate leaders including Jefferson Davis, Jacob Thompson, and Clement C. Clay Jr.

President Andrew Johnson issues an executive order rescinding the prohibition of arms, ammunition, horses, mules, and livestock to Confederate states that were originally issued on November 21, 1862, and May 13, 1863.

James Harlan assumed the position of Secretary of the Interior on May 15, 1865, during the presidency of Andrew Johnson.

President Andrew Johnson issues Proclamation 134 offering amnesty to all white Southerners who take a loyalty oath to regain their property. Outlines a plan for reconstruction in the South.

On June 9, 1865, Andrew Johnson officially takes residence in the White House.

On June 13, 1865, Andrew Johnson appoints William L. Sharkey as the provisional governor of Mississippi and assigns him the task of overseeing his reconstruction plans in the South.

Henry Stanbery was appointed as the Attorney General on July 23, 1866, serving under President Andrew Johnson's administration.

On December 4, 1865, President Johnson delivers his first annual message to the Thirty-Ninth Congress after it had been in recess for the duration of his presidency. The Republican majority remains suspicious of Johnson and his policies.

President Andrew Johnson conducted an interview with a delegation of 'colored representatives' including Frederick Douglass and George T. Downing to discuss the issue of suffrage. Johnson questioned the right to 'force upon' the white community the voting rights for 'the colored race' without their consent. Douglass expressed the belief that once the African American community understood their organic right to vote, they would form a political party in the Southern States.

Andrew Johnson vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill in 1866, a significant event during his presidency.

President vetoes the 'An Act to establish a Bureau for the Relief of Freedmen and Refugees,' citing it as constitutionally unwarranted due to the Union's fiscal affairs. The veto is sustained by two votes.

President Johnson rejects the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to protect the rights of freedmen. This action further escalates the tension between the President and the Radical Republicans.

President Johnson vetoes the Civil Rights Act, which was a second attempt by Congress to provide freedmen with federal citizenship after the failed Freedmen's Bureau bill. The act sanctions the employment of federal troops for enforcement. The Senate overrides Johnson's veto on April 6, and three days later, the House of Representatives also overrides the veto.

The President vetoed the Civil Rights Bill, but Congress overrode the veto, and the bill became law on April 9, 1866.

The Fenian Raid and The Battle of Ridgeway take place in British-held territory in Canada. Proclamation 155 is issued to urge Civil War veterans to refrain from attacking the area.

Congress passes and sends the 14th Amendment to the states for ratification. The Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including those formerly enslaved, and overturns the Dred Scott decision of 1857.

The Congress passes and sends the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution to the states for ratification. The amendment seeks to prevent ex-Confederates from holding office and establishes the citizenship of African Americans.

William Dennison, James Speed, and James Harlan, who were associated with the 'Radical Republicans,' resign from the cabinet. They are replaced by Republicans who support President Johnson's policies.

The Congress overrides President Johnson's veto of the Freedmen's Bureau Renewal Act, indicating a significant disagreement between the President and the Congress on issues related to the rights of freed slaves.

Queen Emma of the Kingdom of Hawaii, also known as the Sandwich Islands, visited the White House during Andrew Johnson's presidency.

During Andrew Johnson's presidency, the successful completion of the Transatlantic Cable enabled communication between the United States and Europe via telegraph.

On August 14, 1866, President Johnson hosted a reception at the White House for Queen Emma of the Sandwich Islands, now known as Hawaii, marking the first visit of a queen to the White House.

Andrew Johnson, the President of the United States, attempted to bring into disgrace, ridicule, and contempt the Congress of the United States. He openly and publicly spoke against Congress, aiming to impair and destroy the regard and respect of the people for the legislative power.

On August 20, 1866, Proclamation 157 was issued, declaring peace, order, tranquillity, and civil authority throughout the entirety of the United States of America.

From August 28 to September 15, 1866, Andrew Johnson embarked on the 'Swing Around the Circle' speaking tour, visiting several states and defending leniency toward the ex-Confederate states, attacking congressional enemies, and criticizing the 14th Amendment in his speeches.

Orville Hickman Browning assumed the role of Secretary of the Interior on September 1, 1866, during President Andrew Johnson's tenure.

On September 3, 1866, Andrew Johnson outlined his view that the South had met the conditions for re-joining the government during his remarks in Buffalo, New York.

President Johnson's attempt to persuade the public to elect a Congress sympathetic with his reconstruction plan during the 'Swing Around the Circle' campaign ends in failure.

During a speech in Cleveland, Ohio, President Johnson responds to a crowd member's call to hang Jeff Davis by suggesting to hang Thad Stevens and Wendell Phillips instead. He also dismisses the importance of dignity in his response to another remark from the crowd. Subsequently, the press reporting becomes more critical.

Andrew Johnson, the President of the United States, addressed a public gathering in St. Louis, Missouri, expressing his grievances against the Congress and their actions. He accused the Congress of trying to break up the government and poisoning the minds of the American people against him.

Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby and the Chicago City Council decline to attend President Johnson's speech in Chicago.

After President Johnson's speech in Indianapolis, riots and gunfire erupt, resulting in the death of one man.

During a speech in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, thirteen audience members are killed when a temporary platform collapses. President Johnson and his party are reported to have abandoned the disaster, leading to more negative tour coverage. Johnson compensates the victims with $500, equivalent to $8,841.13 in 2022.

President Johnson starts his speaking tour of the eastern and midwestern United States, aiming to gather popular support and campaign against 'Radical Republicans' running in the fall congressional elections.

President Johnson faces losses in the fall congressional elections, impacting his political standing and the balance of power in the government.

In response to rumors of insurrection surrounding Baltimore's upcoming elections, an Executive Order was issued to prepare the U.S. Military for possible action, following a notice from the Secretary of War.

Andrew Johnson delivered his Second Annual Message to Congress, addressing various issues and matters of importance.

Andrew Johnson issued a Special Message to the House of Representatives in response to an inquiry regarding American troops in Mexican territory.

Andrew Johnson vetoed the District of Columbia Franchise Law on January 8, 1867, citing his opposition to granting suffrage to African American men in the district.

President Johnson vetoed the bill for the admission of the State of Nebraska into the Union due to the requirement that Nebraska not deny the vote 'to any person by reason of race or color, excepting Indians not taxed'. This condition was not previously required or specified. The veto was overridden on February 9, 1867.

President Johnson issued Proclamation 164, formally declaring Nebraska's admission to the Union on March 1, 1867.

President Johnson vetoes the Tenure of Office Act, which required the President to seek Senate advice and consent before removing an appointee from office. He argues that the Presidential removal power did not require Senate advice and consent. The veto is overridden on the same day, leading to conflict and later impeachment.

Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act over President Johnson's veto, with the intention of preventing Johnson from removing Edwin McMasters Stanton as secretary of war without Senate approval. This act was a significant move in the power struggle between Johnson and Congress during the Reconstruction era.

President Johnson vetoed the Second Reconstruction Act, which mandated military commanders to organize elections in the Southern states. However, Congress overrode Johnson's veto on the same day.

The British novelist Charles Dickens paid a visit to the White House during Andrew Johnson's administration.

President Johnson presented a treaty and funding request to Congress for the purchase of Alaska from Russia. However, the House of Representatives did not approve the appropriation until July 14, 1868.

The Colorado Statehood Bill was vetoed by Andrew Johnson on July 8, 1867. Johnson expressed concerns about the state's population and economy, leading to his decision to veto the bill.

President Johnson vetoed the Third Reconstruction Act, but Congress overrode his veto on the same day.

The Nebraska Statehood Bill was vetoed by Andrew Johnson on July 25, 1867. Johnson raised concerns about the state's population and readiness for statehood, leading to his veto.

President Johnson vetoes the Third Reconstruction Act, which outlines election procedures in the South and reinforces congressional control over Reconstruction. Congress overrides Johnson's veto on the same day.

President Johnson suspends Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton from his position.

President Johnson suspends Secretary Stanton from his position and appoints Ulysses S. Grant as ad interim secretary of war.

President Johnson presents his annual message to Congress, where he defends his policies regarding the ex-Confederate states, outlining his stance on reconstruction and reconciliation.

The Senate rejects President Johnson's decision to remove Secretary Stanton from office, marking a significant clash between the executive and legislative branches during the Reconstruction era.

Ad Interim Secretary of War Grant informs President Johnson of his decision to vacate the post, allowing Secretary Stanton to return to his position, reflecting the power struggle within the government.

President Johnson breaches the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to remove Secretary Stanton from office, leading to a constitutional and political crisis with far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the government.

On February 22, 1868, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, disregarded the Constitution and the law of Congress by bringing before himself William H. Emory, a Major-General by brevet in the Army of the United States, and declaring to and instructing him in disregard of the law of the United States.

The House of Representatives impeaches President Johnson, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors.

The House informed the Senate of the impeachment vote against President Johnson.

The rules of procedure in impeachment trials were reported in the Senate.

On March 2, 1868, the House approved the first nine articles of impeachment against the President, with the final two articles approved the following day. This event garnered tremendous public attention and press coverage.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson for 'high crimes and misdemeanors' and approved eleven articles of impeachment on March 3, 1868.

The House of Representatives drafts 11 Articles of Impeachment against President Johnson and brings them before the Senate, escalating the impeachment proceedings.

The Senate starts the trial to determine whether President Johnson should be removed from office following his impeachment.

The Sergeant-at-arms presented summons to President Johnson, who chose not to appear at the trial.

President Johnson vetoed the Act amending the Judiciary Act of 1789, which aimed to restrict the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The veto was later overridden on March 27, 1868.

The prosecution presented its case in the Senate trial.

The defense presented its case in the Senate trial.

The Senate deliberated in closed session on the articles of impeachment.

The Senate votes to acquit President Johnson, resulting in him remaining in office.

Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, became the first American president to be impeached in May 1868. The impeachment trial marked a pivotal moment in U.S. political history.

President Andrew Johnson was acquitted by one vote in the impeachment trial on May 26, 1868.

President Johnson vetoes bills readmitting ex-Confederate states to the Union, but Congress overrides these vetoes.

President Johnson vetoes the 'An Act to Admit the State of Arkansas to Representation in Congress,' arguing that the legislation is unnecessary as the Constitution already guarantees each state's entitlement to congressional representation. However, Congress overrides the veto on June 22, 1868.

President vetoes the Act to admit Southern States to Representation in Congress, arguing that it is unnecessary as the Constitution already entitles each State to congressional representation. Congress overrides the Veto.

Andrew Johnson was an unsuccessful candidate for presidential nomination on the Democratic Party ticket on July 8, 1868.

The President sends the Burlingame Treaty to Congress for approval through a Special Message. The treaty aims to establish formal and friendly relations between the United States and China, and also grants China the status of 'most favored nation' in terms of trade.

President Johnson vetoes a Joint Resolution that aimed to exclude the votes of States recently in rebellion from the electoral college. He argues that secession is unconstitutional and the States never actually left the union or lost their rights. The veto was overridden on the same day.

President Johnson instructs Ulysses Grant to issue General Orders No 82, which aims to regulate elections in the southern states.

President Johnson submits the Burlingame Treaty between the United States and China to the Senate for approval.

President Johnson delivers his final annual message to Congress, again requesting the repeal of the Reconstruction Acts.

On December 25, 1868, full amnesty was granted to all former Confederates, marking a significant step in the post-Civil War reconciliation process.

Andrew Johnson served out his term as president and left office on March 4, 1869.

On March 18, 1869, Andrew Johnson departed from Washington, D.C. to Greenville, Tennessee, indicating a significant move in his personal or political life.

On April 22, 1869, Robert Johnson passed away.

On October 22, 1869, Andrew Johnson was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Senate from Tennessee, reflecting the political dynamics of the time.

On November 5, 1872, Andrew Johnson faced an unsuccessful candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee, highlighting the challenges in his political career.

Between June and August 1873, Andrew Johnson's health was impaired by a bout of cholera, impacting his personal well-being and potentially his political activities.

On January 26, 1875, Andrew Johnson was elected to the Senate by the Tennessee legislature for the term starting on March 4, 1875. He served until his death on July 31, 1875. He holds the distinction of being the only former President to return to the Senate.

On July 31, 1875, Andrew Johnson died of a stroke while visiting his daughter Mary in Carter County, TN.

On August 3, 1875, Andrew Johnson was buried in Greeneville, TN.

Andrew Johnson was the first President to hold the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, starting a tradition that continues to this day.

Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009.