Matthew Lyon and Andrew Jackson

Tom Campbell wrote a great book entitled "Two Fighters and Two Fines: the Lives of Matthew Lyon and Andrew Jackson." This is not my first book to read on either one of those mighty founders, however one that I highly recommend. Here are just a few of the things that moved me. When we focus on great people, it raises our ambitions and strenthens us in a common pursuit of doing great things for others. Here are some of my insights:

Matthew Lyon. He came to America as an indentured slave gaining passage on a transatlantic voyage from Ireland. He was smart. He gave the ship captain some money and the captain sold him as 18 opposed to 16 years old. This shortened his servitude by two years. He worked for one of the wealthiest colonists and learned business. He bought his way out of the last 2 years of slavery by buying 2 bulls and selling them to his owner. Brilliant stroke. He payed the bullowner back and he is the middleman who wins his freedom. He built the town of Fairhaven, Vermont creating its saw mill, iron foundry, and building the town homes and buildings among other basic infrastructure. When he moved to Kentucky he did the same thing with the town of Eddyville. He was the first person in America to create a printing press using paper (opposed to rags). He served in Congress representing 2 states and later was an Ambassador to the Indians in Arkansas.

He was jailed and fined for free speech under the Sedition Act. Later history realizing its mistake, posthumously redacted the fine. He was brave. Even in the face of jail, he stood up for what he knew was right in order for our country to be free. (He served 4 months in the dead of a Vermont winter in a jail cell with an open window and most of it without a stove). If we all had the courage of Matthew Lyon this country would remain the world's most respected. We must strive to live lives of courage that would make Matthew Lyon proud. Industry, bravery (he fought as a green mountain boy of Vermont in keeping Vermont free from the British), and passion for what is right where others feared represents this giant of a man.

Much is known about Andrew Jackson but a few things many Americans did not know was that on top of his fiery spirit in the pursuit of justice he was very kindhearted. The last Christmas of his White House years he invited all the orphans of the DC area to White House and bought them presents (Jackson being orphaned at 14 with his father dying before he was born and never really celebrated Christmas with generous presents). He adopted an Indian baby he found alone and parentless on the battlefield. Literallly his family was America. His mother died from a disease she caught in a hospital tending for wounded soldiers of the American Revolution. When Andrew was 14, he and his brother were captured by the British as prisoners of war. He refused to shine the British officer's shoes and was scarred in the head for life from the officer's beating. His mother rode horseback 300 miles with another woman across dangerous Indian territory and obtained their release in exchange for some British hostages. His mother, a great example, taught him courage. Because of Jackson our country spans from "sea to shining sea." He destroyed the 2nd bank of the United States because it was abusing its power in making loans to wealthy Congressmen just to buy their votes and influence in Washington. When New Orleans and Florida needed defending, he rose to the challenge without flinching (the first battle against great odds). He sacrificed a wealthy merchant and lawyer's life because when the need arose to serve his country in office or by the sword he never refused. May we all carry the intrepidness of this valiant fighter and leader.

America is a blessed country due to the sacrifices and tremendous spirit of those before us like Andrew Jackson and Matthew Lyon. Like these men, may we only wish to live so that America remains the home of the free with opportunity for all. May we all do our own part in standing up for justice where we see others wrongfully accused or taken advantage of. Nobility in integrity, compassion, and justice are the highest reasons for being.