Stephen Grover Cleveland was known for his anti-corruption efforts and fiscal conservatism. He served non-consecutive terms as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland was praised for his honesty, integrity, and effective leadership, although he faced criticism for his handling of labor strikes and economic disasters during his second term.
Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey on March 18, 1837, to Ann and Richard Falley Cleveland.
In 1841, Grover Cleveland moved with his family to Fayetteville, located in western New York state.
In 1851, Grover Cleveland and his family moved to Clinton, N.Y., where his father took a position with the American Home Missionary Society. Grover attended the Clinton Liberal Institute during this time.
In 1852, Grover Cleveland returned to Fayetteville, N.Y., for an apprenticeship.
In September 1853, Grover Cleveland worked as a teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind in New York, N.Y.
In October 1853, Grover Cleveland's father, Rev. Cleveland, passed away after accepting a pastorate in Holland Patent, N.Y.
In 1855, Grover Cleveland worked as an assistant to his uncle, Lewis F. Allen, in the preparation of volume 2 of the American Shorthorn Herd Book published by the American Shorthorn Breeders’ Association in Chicago.
He became a licensed lawyer in Buffalo, New York after completing his legal studies.
In 1862, Grover Cleveland left the law firm and established his own legal practice.
He was given the position of assistant district attorney in Erie County, New York in January 1863.
He hired a substitute to serve in his place in the Union army when he was subject to the draft during the Civil War in July 1863.
In 1865, Grover Cleveland made his first bid for elected office as the Democratic Party candidate for district attorney of Erie County, but unfortunately lost in a close contest.
He established a law firm with Isaac K. Vanderpoel in 1866.
Grover Cleveland, along with Albert P. Laning and Oscar Folsom, established a law firm in Buffalo, N.Y. This partnership later became significant due to Cleveland's marriage to Frances, the daughter of Oscar Folsom.
Grover Cleveland, along with Lyman Bass and Wilson Shannon Bissell, established another law firm in Buffalo, N.Y. This firm underwent changes in its composition and name over time.
Oscar Folsom, Cleveland's law partner, died in a carriage accident in Buffalo, N.Y. Cleveland was named the executor of Folsom's estate, marking a significant personal and professional event for Cleveland.
Grover Cleveland was elected as the mayor of Buffalo, N.Y. This marked a significant milestone in Cleveland's political career, laying the foundation for his future political endeavors.
In 1882, Grover Cleveland served as the Mayor of Buffalo, New York.
On September 22, 1882, Grover Cleveland was nominated by the Democratic Party as the governor of New York.
From January 1883 to January 1885, Grover Cleveland served as the Governor of New York.
The Democratic National Convention of 1884, held in Chicago, nominates Grover Cleveland for President and Thomas A. Hendricks for vice president.
On July 21, 1884, the Buffalo Evening Telegraph reported a scandal involving Grover Cleveland's out-of-wedlock son with Maria Halpin. Cleveland neither confirmed nor denied paternity of the child, but contributed financial support before the boy was adopted.
Grover Cleveland receives notification of his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the 1884 presidential election.
Grover Cleveland formally accepts the Democratic nomination for the 1884 presidential election.
Grover Cleveland was elected as the President of the United States.
Grover Cleveland was the President of the United States for the first time from 1885 to 1889.
Vice President Thomas Hendrick passed away during Grover Cleveland's presidency.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 8, 1885.
The Presidential Succession Act proposed and passed shortly afterward on January 15, 1886, clarified the line of succession in the event that both the President and vice president die or become unable to serve.
On January 19, 1886, President Grover Cleveland signed the Presidential Succession Act, which specified the order of succession to the presidency in the absence of a President and vice president.
The President asserted that labor is a vital element of national prosperity and should be of concern to the federal government. He called for the establishment of an agency that would deal with the voluntary arbitration of labor disputes, addressing the 'discrimination in favor of capital as an object of governmental attention.' This message is noted as the first Presidential message on labor.
Grover Cleveland handled the aftermath of the Haymarket Riot in 1886, a labor protest rally in Chicago that turned violent, leading to the deaths of several civilians and police officers. The riot resulted in the trial and execution of several anarchists, which sparked international controversy.
President Cleveland rejects the first of multiple bills aimed at granting military pensions to Civil War Union veterans, many of whom had submitted fraudulent claims to Congress after being denied by the Pensions Bureau.
President Cleveland urges Congress to accept France's gift of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the historical alliance between the two nations during the Revolutionary War. The statue is intended to be placed on Liberty Island, near Ellis Island, which will serve as an immigration reception center for the increasing number of immigrants arriving in New York City.
President Cleveland publicly announces his engagement, marking a personal milestone in his life.
Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, married Frances Folsom in a small White House ceremony after a courtship conducted largely by mail. The public was captivated by the union of the 49-year old president and the 21-year old Frances Folsom.
On June 2, 1886, Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in a private ceremony at the White House. The event was attended by cabinet members, government officials, and close family friends. The ceremony was officiated by a Presbyterian minister, Reverend Byron Sunderlund, and was followed by a promenade in the East Room.
The Senate overrode the veto to 'quiet' the title of settlers on the Des Moines River lands, which would reclaim private land in Iowa as public. The President argued that controversies related to this land can be appropriately settled by the State of Iowa and its courts.
The House sustained the veto to 'quiet' the title of settlers on the Des Moines River lands, which would reclaim private land in Iowa as public. The President's argument that controversies related to this land can be appropriately settled by the State of Iowa and its courts was upheld.
President Cleveland vetoed an act to provide for the erection of a public building in the city of Dayton, Ohio. The Senate and the House overrode the veto on 03/03/1887. Cleveland objected to the expense of $150,000 for a new public building in Dayton, Ohio, stating that the existing two public buildings did not appear inadequate.
The House overrode President Cleveland's veto on 07/16/1886, and the Senate followed suit on 08/03/1886. President Cleveland objected to granting a pension to Joseph Romiser, a volunteer company member, due to lack of clear evidence of his service in the United States military at the time of his injury.
The House overrode President Cleveland's veto on 07/16/1886, and the Senate followed suit on 08/03/1886. President Cleveland objected to granting a pension to Joseph Romiser, a volunteer company member, due to lack of clear evidence of his service in the United States military at the time of his injury.
President suspends the import of goods on Spanish vessels from Cuba and Puerto Rico due to escalating tensions with Spain.
President delivers remarks at the unveiling and dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor on Bedloe's Island.
President's message highlights the cruel treatment of inoffensive Chinese in Western states and territories, conflicts with Britain over fisheries rights, and the importance of the Hawaiian Islands and the need for telegraphic communications with them.
Grover Cleveland signed into law the Interstate Commerce Act, which was intended to regulate rates charged by railroads and established the Interstate Commerce Commission to oversee compliance with rate regulations.
President Grover Cleveland signed the General Allotment Act, also known as the Dawes Act, into law on February 8, 1887. The act aimed to divide tribal lands of Native Americans into individual allotments and encourage their assimilation into American society.
Grover Cleveland vetoed the Dependent Pension Bill, which would have granted pensions to war veterans who had served for a minimum of ninety days.
President Cleveland vetoed the Texas Seed Bill, intended to aid drought-affected farmers, citing federal government overreach.
The Senate and the House overrode President Cleveland's veto on 03/03/1887 regarding the erection of a public building in Dayton, Ohio. Cleveland had objected to the expense of $150,000 for a new public building in Dayton, Ohio, stating that the existing two public buildings did not appear inadequate.
President Cleveland issues an executive order directing the return of Southern battle flags that had been in storage at the War Department. This decision sparks controversy and prompts objections from Senators who advocate for the burning of the flags instead of their return.
In response to public outcry, President Cleveland issues another executive order, stating that he has reconsidered the matter and determined that returning the Confederate flags is not authorized by existing law. He directs that the final disposition of the flags should be decided by Congress.
President Cleveland undertakes a tour covering southern and western states of the US.
Grover Cleveland went on a tour of the West and South from September 30th to October 22nd.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 6, 1887.
President Cleveland appoints Lucius Q.C. Lamar of Mississippi to the Supreme Court, after Lamar served as Cleveland's secretary of the interior.
After losing the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland and his wife moved to New York to enjoy a private life and pursue business opportunities. On Inauguration day, Mrs. Cleveland bid traditional farewells to the household staff and expressed her intention to return to the White House in four years.
President Cleveland appoints Melville W. Fuller as the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. This appointment will be associated with conservative decisions of the Fuller Court, leading to significant criticism from political opponents.
The Democratic National Convention took place in St. Louis, MO. Grover Cleveland was renominated on June 6, and the official Letter of nomination was presented to him on June 26.
Grover Cleveland made remarks upon receiving the official notification of his nomination for President.
President Cleveland accepts the Democratic nomination for President, with ex-Ohio senator Allen G. Thurman as the vice-presidential nominee.
Grover Cleveland signs the Arbitration Act, allowing for voluntary arbitration of railway disputes and authorizing the President to appoint a commission to investigate labor disputes.
President Grover Cleveland signed the Chinese Exclusion Act on October 8, 1888, which restricted Chinese immigration to the United States and prohibited Chinese immigrants who returned to China from coming back to the United States.
President Grover Cleveland was defeated in his bid for re-election by the Republican candidate, Benjamin Harrison. Although President Cleveland won the popular vote, Harrison won the Electoral College and thus the presidency.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 3, 1888.
An executive order was issued to add employees of the rail mail service to the classified list, subjecting them to examination.
Cleveland signs a bill creating the Department of Agriculture.
Cleveland signs a bill that turns the territories of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington into states.
Grover Cleveland's second inauguration occurred on March 4, 1889.
In February 1890, Grover Cleveland returned to his legal career by joining the firm of Bangs, Stetson, Tracy, and MacVeagh in New York City.
On October 3, 1891, Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth Cleveland, was born. She sadly passed away on January 7, 1904.
Grover Cleveland was nominated by the Democratic Party as its presidential candidate, running alongside Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois.
Grover Cleveland makes remarks upon being notified of his nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Grover Cleveland issues a letter of acceptance for the presidential nomination.
Grover Cleveland was elected as the President of the United States.
Official holiday entertaining began with the public reception on New Year's Day, which opened the winter social season.
Grover Cleveland served as the President of the United States from 1893 to 1897.
President Cleveland withdraws the Hawaiian annexation treaty after a special commissioner advises him that the majority of the population opposes the annexation, despite it being signed just prior to his inauguration. Cleveland advocates for the restoration of the queen, but the provisional government rejects the idea.
President Cleveland vows to defend the gold standard.
Grover Cleveland opened the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.
A malignant growth is detected on the roof of President Cleveland's mouth.
In a secret operation aboard the yacht Oneida in New York's East River, President Cleveland's cancerous growth and a portion of his jaw are removed.
Amid debates about the gold standard and the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, Grover Cleveland delivers a Special Session Message to Congress. He informs Democratic Senators that he will ignore their patronage requests if they oppose his call for repeal.
Esther, the daughter of Grover Cleveland, is born at the White House on September 9, 1893. She is the first and only child to be born in the White House.
The act to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 was signed, aiming to stop the drain on U.S. gold reserves. This repeal was a significant success for the Cleveland administration, as it passed despite opposition and represented a forceful repudiation of traditional party leadership.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 4, 1893.
President Cleveland delivers his first annual State of the Union message during his second term, emphasizing the endorsement of a new tariff bill, proposing a small tax on corporate incomes, and disavowing the actions of Ex-Minister to Hawaii John L. Stevens. He also addresses the Bureau of Immigration and reports on the numbers of arrivals at US ports.
President Cleveland and Mrs. Cleveland spent their first Christmas together at Red Top with Mrs. Folsom, decorated the cottage with English holly and evergreens, and had a quiet dinner with family and friends.
Grover Cleveland intervened in the Pullman Strike of 1894, a nationwide railroad strike that disrupted rail traffic and led to violent clashes between workers and federal troops. Cleveland's decision to deploy federal forces to suppress the strike resulted in significant backlash and raised concerns about government intervention in labor disputes.
The Wilson-Gorman Tariff Bill, which includes an income tax of 2 percent on personal and corporate income above certain thresholds, becomes law without President Cleveland's signature. This marks a significant development in U.S. economic policy.
Cleveland's Democratic Party suffers a significant defeat in the midterm elections, losing a majority of seats in both the House and the Senate. This loss marks a historic shift in their political standing.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 3, 1894.
President Cleveland urges Congress to take action to restore confidence in the financial stability of the United States, following the failure to approve a proposed plan during the annual message.
President Cleveland addresses concerns over the U.S. financial condition by initiating a third Treasury bond sale to replenish the U.S. gold reserves, involving J.P. Morgan's purchase of bonds in exchange for European gold. This action saved the gold reserves but sparked disappointment among opponents of the gold standard.
The Supreme Court declares the income tax law invalid in the case of Pollock v. Farmers' Loan and Trust Company.
The Supreme Court supports the arrest of Eugene Debs, the leader of the Pullman Strike, by justifying the government's use of injunctions to suppress strikes in the case of Debs v. United States.
The US issues a proclamation expressing sympathy for Cuban rebels who revolted against Spanish rule, but officially declares neutrality in the matter.
Grover Cleveland delivers the Third Annual State of the Union Message, addressing foreign relations and finances. He expresses concerns about the boundary dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain, calls for protection of Americans in Turkey, and advocates for sound money and increased circulation for National Banks. Cleveland also voices a plea for an end to armed conflict and restoration of order and quiet in Cuba.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 8, 1895.
Marion, daughter of Grover Cleveland, is born at Gray Gables in Buzzards Bay, MA.
Utah was admitted as the 45th state of the United States through a proclamation, following the passage of an act by Congress in 1894 allowing Utah to form a constitution and State government.
There is no specific event mentioned for this date.
President Cleveland vetoed an act that sought to grant a pension to Frances E. Hoover, which was later overridden by the House and the Senate. Cleveland argued that Hoover’s condition was not related to his military service.
President Cleveland vetoed an act making appropriations for the construction, repair, and preservation of certain public works on rivers and harbors, along with other purposes.
The House overrode President Cleveland's veto of the act making appropriations for public works on rivers and harbors, allowing the appropriations to proceed.
The Senate overrode President Cleveland's veto of the act making appropriations for public works on rivers and harbors, allowing the appropriations to proceed.
President Grover Cleveland addressed Congress on the present state of affairs and administration's goals for the coming year on December 7, 1896.
President Cleveland vetoes a bill that aimed to ban illiterate immigrants from entering the United States.
On February 22, 1897, President Cleveland proclaimed the creation of 13 new national forest reserves in eight western states, totaling 21 million acres. This was a significant expansion, nearly doubling the total acreage in existing forest reserves. These reserves were later referred to as the 'Washington's Birthday Reserves,' and the action was taken in accordance with a law passed on March 3, 1891.
On February 24, 1897, President Cleveland convened an extra session of the United States Senate by proclamation. This event marked an important political development during Cleveland's presidency.
President Grover Cleveland exercises a pocket veto on HR 10290, an appropriations bill passed on March 2, 1897, which included a Senate amendment to restore reserves to the public domain. This veto led to a government deficiency and preserved presidential power to create reserves.
The Senate overrode President Cleveland's veto of the act granting a pension restoration to Rachel Patton, allowing her to regain her pension rights.
On March 18, 1897, Grover Cleveland and his family moved to 'Westland' in Princeton, N.J.
Grover Cleveland's son, Richard Folsom Cleveland, was born on October 28, 1897, and passed away on January 10, 1974.
Grover Cleveland became a lecturer in public affairs at Princeton University in 1899.
Grover Cleveland's son, Francis Grover Cleveland, was born on July 18, 1903, and passed away on November 8, 1995.
Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth, died of diphtheria on January 7, 1904.
In June 1905, Grover Cleveland served as a trustee for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of America and led reorganization efforts for the company.
In September 1905, Grover Cleveland purchased two farms near Tamworth, N.H., which later became the Cleveland summer home known as 'Intermont'.
In 1906, Grover Cleveland published 'Fishing and Shooting Sketches' with the Outing Publishing Company in New York.
In February 1907, Grover Cleveland served as the chairman and counsel for the Association of Life Insurance Companies.
On June 24, 1908, Grover Cleveland passed away in Princeton, N.J. and was interred in the Princeton Cemetery.
A collection of the writings and speeches of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
In 1923, Princeton University history professor Robert McElroy published a two-volume biography titled 'Grover Cleveland: The Man and the Statesman', after being authorized to write it and provided access to Cleveland's papers.
A study that delves into the courageous attributes of Grover Cleveland, shedding light on his character and leadership qualities.
A publication that provides insights into the life and political career of Grover Cleveland, highlighting his role as a statesman.
On October 29, 1947, Grover Cleveland passed away in Baltimore, Maryland. He was interred in Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, New Jersey.
Horace Samuel Merrill's book 'Bourbon Leader: Grover Cleveland and the Democratic Party' was published in 1957, shedding light on Grover Cleveland's leadership within the Democratic Party.
The index to the Grover Cleveland Papers was created in 1965 in Washington, D.C. It serves as a guide to the papers of Grover Cleveland, providing valuable information for researchers and historians.
A historical account that explores the health challenges faced by President Grover Cleveland during his time in office.
The watercolor painting of the White House on the box lid is created by Mrs. Cleveland and is part of the collection at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace State Historic Site.