Across the United States
As we celebrate Presidents Day, it’s worth reflecting on the personal histories of some of our nation’s leaders-particularly those who experienced adoption, orphanhood, or foster-like upbringings. Their stories of resilience remind us that great leaders can emerge from challenging beginnings.
Presidents Who Overcame Early Hardships
Andrew Jackson (7th President)
Andrew Jackson was orphaned at just 14 years old. Both of his parents had passed away by the time he was a teenager, and he was informally raised by relatives and family friends. Though he was never formally adopted, his experience mirrors that of many children in kinship care today.
Herbert Hoover (31st President)
Herbert Hoover lost both parents by the age of 9. He was sent to live with his uncle in Oregon, who took him in and raised him. While this wasn’t a legal adoption, it was an early example of family stepping in to care for an orphaned child-something that continues to be a vital part of child welfare today.
Gerald Ford (38th President)
Gerald Ford was born as Leslie Lynch King Jr., but his life changed when his mother remarried. His stepfather, Gerald R. Ford Sr., legally adopted him and provided a stable and loving home. Ford took his adoptive father’s name and always spoke highly of the man who stepped in to raise him.
A Vice President Who Understood Hardship
Schuyler Colfax (17th Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant)
Colfax’s father died before he was even born, leaving his mother to struggle financially. Though he wasn’t placed in foster care, his upbringing was shaped by hardship, and extended family likely played a role in his care-another historical parallel to kinship care today.
Resilience, Leadership, and the Power of Family
While formal foster care and adoption systems were different in these presidents’ times, their stories highlight the importance of providing stability, love, and support to children who experience loss. Whether through adoption, kinship care, or the kindness of extended family, these leaders found the guidance they needed to shape their futures.
This Presidents Day, let’s remember that the challenges children face today don’t have to define their future. With the right support, they can grow into strong, resilient leaders-just as these presidents did.
