190. What President wrote his own epitaph?
Thomas Jefferson wrote his own epitaph, as follows: “Here lies buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia.”
191. When was the first national convention for the nomination of candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency held?
National conventions for the nomination of candidates were unknown before 1830. In 1830, an Anti-Masonic national convention was held, in which the party resolved, among other things, to put forward candidates for President and Vice-President, and a second convention was called to meet in Baltimore, in September, 1831, to make the nominations. In 1832, that being the election year, the Democrats held a national convention at Baltimore, to nominate a Vice-President, it being generally understood that Jackson was to be re-elected.
192. Who was the first President nominated by national convention?
Martin Van Buren in 1835. The Whigs, his opponents, held no such meeting, and contented themselves with supporting Harrison as the nominee of the Pennsylvania State Convention. In 1839 the Whigs nominated Harrison in national convention, and elected him triumphantly. Thenceforward, the practice of holding national conventions became general with all parties.
193. Where were the different Presidents nominated?
- Van Buren, at Baltimore, 1835, by the Democrats.
- Harrison, at Harrisburg, 1839, by the Whigs.
- Polk, at Baltimore, 1844, by the Democrats.
- Taylor, at Philadelphia, 1848, by the Whigs.
- Pierce, at Baltimore, 1852, by the Democrats.
- Buchanan, at Cincinnati, 1856, by the Democrats.
- Lincoln (first term), at Chicago, 1800, by the Republicans.
- Lincoln (second term), at Baltimore, 1864, by the Republicans.
- Grant (first term), at Chicago, 1868, by the Republicans.
- Grant (second term), at Philadelphia, 1872, by the Republicans.
- Hayes, at Cincinnati, 1876, by the Republicans.
- Garfield, at Chicago, 1880, by the Republicans.
- Cleveland, at Chicago, 1884, by the Democrats.
194. When and by whom was the first national political platform adopted?
The first national political platform was adopted by the Democratic convention at Baltimore, May 5, 1840.