10 Things About US Presidents That Schools Don’t Teach

Jefferson invented everyone’s favorite chair 

Thomas Jefferson, the Founding Father, and the third US president, was a man of many talents. In 1775, he created his swivel chair and named it the Revolving Windsor Armchair. Some argue that this chair’s prototype dates back to the early XVI century when Martin Löffelholz von Kolberg’s illustration showed a similar chair. But, since historians are undecided, it would be best to honor both innovators. 

Adams and Jefferson visiting Shakespeare 

Speaking of chair, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the original frenemies, visited Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon. While there, they chipped off a piece of Shakespeare’s chair as a memory. The two later became vicious opponents that would put to shame all the nastiness between Trump and Biden. Ironically, Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826. 

Taylor’s deadly combo 

President Zachary Taylor served only 16 months. He unexpectedly died in 1850, and there are two schools of thought regarding his untimely death. One theory is that the former President partied hard on July 4, 1850. Reportedly, he had cherries with cold milk and soon started having cramps. Officially, Taylor died of cholera, a bacterial infection likely from the cherries or the milk. But, there is also a probability that the slavery-opposing President was poisoned by arsenic. The symptoms were similar, and recent tests did not offer any conclusions. 

Hot for teacher 

One of the least inspirational presidents, Millard Fillmore, who served from 1850 to 1853, was married to his school teacher. Filmore, a member of the Whig party, and  Abigail Fillmore, his ex-teacher, tied the knot in 1826, and they stayed together until she died in 1953. But it was not as scandalous as it sounds since Abigail started teaching at 16 and was only two years older than her husband. Filmore married his second wife, Caroline C. Fillmore, in 1858. 

Posh President 

Republican Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st president, was a strong advocate for civil rights and quite progressive for his time. However, his achievements were overshadowed by exquisite and expensive taste, which he grew accustomed to due to his work as a lawyer. When he entered the White House, Arthur called on his friend, the artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, to help with redecorating. The Red Room was decorated with gold and bronze stars on the ceiling. According to rumors, he sold Adams’ hats, Lincoln’s clothes, and other memorabilia to support the redecoration. 

Running unopposed 

James Monroe was the only candidate in the 1820 presidential election. He ran unopposed with his Vice President, Daniel D. Tompkins, and won almost all of the electoral votes except one, which went to John Quincy Adams. Before Monroe, George Washington was the only other President to be elected without opposition.

“Uncle Cleve”

Frances Folsom Cleveland was only 21 when she became the First Lady. She married Grover Cleveland, 27 years her senior and her guardian. Frances was 11 when her father, Oscar Folsom, died in an accident, and Cleveland became the girl’s guardian, though she lived with her mother, Emma. The bachelor president and his young bride were married in the White House on June 2, 1886, in the first wedding of a president in the official residence. 

Alligators in the White House

Herbert Hoover was a great dog lover, but his second son went for more exotic animals – two alligators. They were a gift, and according to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the alligators were usually kept in a bathtub. They would often escape and stroll around the White House. 

Half of EGOT 

President Obama won an Emmy for narrating the Netflix series Our Great National Parks and two Grammys for spoken word. Bill Clinton also has two Grammys, while Jimmy Carter received three. Dwight Eisenhower also got an Emmy for his use and encouragement of television.

Productive President 

John Tyler took the initiative following the death of President William Henry Harrison in April 1841, only 30 days after the inauguration. Tyler established the “Tyler Precedent,” which made it clear that a Vice President assuming office had the full powers and title of the President. While history does not hold him in high regard, Tyler holds the record for having 15 children, more than any president before or after him.