Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving non-consecutive terms from 1885-1889 and 1893-1897. He is the only president to have held the office non-consecutively and is known for his commitment to civil service reform and fiscal conservatism. Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, in 1837 and grew up in a Presbyterian family. He attended law school and became a successful lawyer before entering politics.
From 1865, when the American Civil War ended, until 1900, politics continued to focus on matters related to the war years. Cleveland entered politics as a member of the Democratic Party and served as the mayor of Buffalo, New York, and governor of New York before becoming president. He was known for his honesty and integrity and was often referred to as the "guardian of the treasury" for his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Cleveland's first term as president was marked by several important events, including the passage of the Interstate Commerce Act and the creation of the Civil Service Commission. He also vetoed several bills that he believed were unconstitutional or unnecessary, including a bill that would have provided federal aid to farmers affected by drought.
After losing the presidential election of 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland returned to private life but remained active in politics. He won the Democratic nomination in 1892 and defeated Harrison in the general election to become the only president to serve non-consecutive terms.
During his second term, Cleveland focused on foreign policy and worked to improve relations with Latin American countries. He also signed the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act, which lowered tariffs on some goods but also included a provision to tax income.
Cleveland's presidency was not without controversy, however. He faced criticism for his handling of the Pullman Strike, which resulted in federal troops being sent to break up the strike and several deaths. He also faced criticism for his decision to annex Hawaii, which was seen as a violation of Hawaiian sovereignty.
Despite these controversies, Cleveland remains a respected figure in American history. He is remembered for his commitment to honesty and integrity, his efforts to reform the civil service, and his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Former President Donald Trump wants to do a full Grover Cleveland and match the only US president to lose a presidential election and then win again. Trump has expressed interest in running for president again in 2024, and if he were to win, he would become the first president since Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.
In Grover Cleveland Park in Essex County, a young angler from Newark recently prevailed in a fishing derby. The park is named after the former president, who was a strong advocate for conservation and the protection of natural resources.
Author Troy Senik joins Brian Anderson to discuss his new book, A Man of Iron: The Turbulent Life and Improbable Presidency of Grover, which explores Cleveland's life and presidency in detail. Senik argues that Cleveland's commitment to fiscal responsibility and civil service reform are still relevant today.
Grover Mosley's passing on Thursday, May 11, 2023, has been publicly announced by Jefferson Mortuary in Millington, TN. It is unclear if Mosley had any connection to the former president, but Cleveland's legacy continues to be felt in communities across the country.
In Minnesota, some Republicans are calling for the party to get back on track and away from the current government. They cite Cleveland's life and advice as an example of how to restore fiscal responsibility and integrity to government.
Only a handful of presidents have sought non-consecutive terms, including Cleveland and Trump. Their efforts carry lessons for future presidents and candidates, including the importance of fiscal responsibility, civil service reform, and honesty in government.
In Caldwell, the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association will hold its first "Home Front Heroes Day" celebration. The event will honor the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians during World War II and highlight Cleveland's commitment to patriotism and service.
