Grover Cleveland

Guide Note:

Grover Cleveland was both the twenty-second and twenty-fourth President of the United States, serving his first term from 1885 to 1889, and his second term from 1893 to 1897.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: March 18, 1837, in Caldwell, New Jersey
2. Political Party: Democratic
3. Administration: 1885 to 1889; 1893 to 1897
4. Vice-Presidents: Adlai E. Stevenson and Thomas A. Hendricks
5. Preceded by: Chester A. Arthur and Benjamin Harrison
6. Succeeded by: Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley
7. Secretary of State: Thomas F. Bayard
8. Spouse: Frances Folsom Cleveland
9. Occupation: Lawyer
10. Died: June 24, 1908
11. Only president to serve two non-consecutive terms
12. While sheriff of Erie County, New York, personally hanged two murderers
13. Only president married in the White House
14. Baby Ruth candy bar was named after Cleveland's baby daughter, Ruth

Born in New Jersey, Cleveland made his way west in his late teens, settling in Buffalo and eventually becoming a prominent lawyer in the bustling city. He became mayor of Buffalo in January of 1882, and later that year, became the Governor of New York. In 1884, Cleveland's ascension up the political ladder was complete when he defeated Republican candidate James Blaine to become the 22nd President of the United States.

In his first term, Cleveland denounced the spoils system, allowing most Republican civil servants to keep their jobs, modernized the U.S. Navy, and advocated money and tariff reform. In 1886, a little more than a year after assuming office, Cleveland, a bachelor during the election, married Frances Folsom, the young college-age daughter of one of his Buffalo law colleagues. In 1888, Cleveland ran for re-election and although he won the popular vote, lost the Electoral College, and was defeated by Benjamin Harrison.

However, in 1892, he ran against Harrison again, defeating him and becoming the only President in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms. In his second term, Cleveland's popularity was hurt by the Panic of 1893 and the resulting labor unrest which arose from the economic downturn. In 1896, Cleveland was eligible to run for re-election but declined; in 1908, Cleveland suffered a heart attack and died in New Jersey.