Andrew Jackson was now alone in the world, and without a penny. After the war he turned his little stock of learning to good account. He became a backwoods schoolmaster. Then he studied law, worked in a country store, and afterward opened a law office at Nashville in Tennessee. During all of this period Jackson was acquiring a reputation as the wildest and most daring spirit on the frontier; the hot temper of his boyhood had cooled not a jot; he was always ready for any deed of hardihood, and the rough spirits of the border learned to fear his anger.
His marriage, from unusual circumstances attending its contraction, was one which promised many sorrows; but as a matter of fact proved a very happy one. Jackson was sent to Congress from Tennessee, and was afterward made senator. Later he resigned and returned to Nashville. Here at different times he practiced law, kept a store, and farmed. It was at this period that he was made commander of the state militia, and subdued the Creeks. Afterward he became head of the army of the United States in the southwest, and drove back the British at New Orleans.
After defeating the Seminole Indians in Florida, and performing other services of great value to the country, Jackson began a political career full of tumult; he was the most loved and most hated man of his time. He was elected President of the United States in the year 1828, and again four years later. Then he retired to the quiet of the “Hermitage,” near Nashville, as his home was called, and spent the remainder of his life in peace. He died June 8, 1845.
The Stories in this Series are:
IN KENTUCKY WITH DANIEL BOONE
IN THE ROCKIES WITH KIT CARSON
IN TEXAS WITH DAVY CROCKETT
ON THE BORDER WITH ANDREW JACKSON