I witnessed the first attempt to assassinate an American president, Indian Hater Jackson, on January 30. In 1836…
I watched the Alamo come under siege. In 1837…
…I saw Queen Victoria begin her 64-year reign.
In 1838…
I looked on helplessly as the forced removal of Cherokees from North Carolina to Indian Territory began.
In 1839…
…I mourned the death of Quati, beloved wife of Chief Ross, as she finally succombed to the effects of bitter cold on the long Trail of Tears.
In 1840…
In 1840… I witnessed the birth of writer Thomas Hardy, who was almost given up for dead until an observant midwife observed that he was breathing.
in 1841…
…I traveled on the first wagon train from St. Louis to California.
In 1842…
I saw the birth of my favorite composer: Arthur Sullivan, later to be knighted.
in 1843…
In 1843, and then again in 1844, the world didn’t come to an end, despite the predictions of William Miller.
In 1845…