Tag Archives: president

Skinny-Dipping with the President

Posted on October 14, 2021 | Leave a comment

In his book The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told, Rick Beyer tells a fascinating and surprising story about our sixth president John Quincy Adams. What makes this story so shockingly charming is that it seems so uncharacteristic for the son of John and Abigail Adams.

John Quincy Adams was a very reserved Christian man who always strove to live life in a proper way … well, most of the time. For you see, our sixth president had a passion for skinny-dipping.

President Adams loved to take a walk from the White House down to the banks of the Potomac River where he would shed his clothes and go for a refreshing dip before the days’ activities.

One day, the President took one of his servants with him by the name of Antoine and asked him to row him across the river. The President’s plan was to then swim back across the river. Well, just like many good plans, the unexpected sends them a rye. The wind began to pick up fiercely and it capsized the small, leaky, row boat tossing both men into the river. The two were able to, but not without some struggle, swim to the opposite bank. The fifty-eight year old President was worn out from the strenuous adventure.

Then, a problem arose. Antoine discovered that he had lost his clothes in the middle of the river. President Adams gave his clothes to Antoine so that he could go and get them a carriage in order to take them back to the White House. So, what does a naked President do while he waits for his ride? According to his diary, President John Quincy Adams got in some “naked basking on the bank.” Now you know. Thanks for reading today.

*Mark Bowser is the host of the popular “Let Me Tell You a Story with Mark Bowser” podcast. Subscribe today on your favorite podcast platform.

*Mark Bowser is the author of several books including “Sales Success” with Zig Ziglar and “Some Gave It All” with Danny Lane. Visit his website at http://www.MarkBowser.com

The Forgotten President – StoryCam View

Posted on December 18, 2020 | Leave a comment

This video is a compliment to my recent article. This is a behind the scenes look as I record the podcast “Let Me Tell You a Story with Mark Bowser” podcast. I hope you enjoy it!

Have a great day. Thanks for listening. God bless you!

Mark Bowser

The Forgotten President

Posted on December 11, 2020 | Leave a comment

By Mark Bowser

Was George Washington really the first President of the United States? Are you sure?

George Washington became President of the United States in 1789, however, we won the War for Independence in 1781 to earn our freedom from Great Britain. So, what happened during all those intervening years? Were we leaderless? Did we have a functioning government in those years?

After we won the war at Yorktown, the Congress met and drafted a document called the Articles of Confederation. In essence, this was the first Constitution for the United States. And on March 1, 1781 it was ratified by all thirteen colonies making it the law and guiding principles for the infant nation.

At that time Congress elected unanimously a President of the United States. The official title was President of the United States in Congress Assembled. The man the Congress unanimously elected was John Hanson.

John Hanson served for only one year. During that pivotal year, Congress established the Treasury Department. Two other prominent establishments during the Hansen administration included the adoption of the Great Seal of the United State. This seal is still in use to this day. Another prominent accomplishment was that the fourth Thursday of every November would be a day of thanksgiving.

But, did this really make Hanson the first President of the United States? How come we didn’t learn about him in our history classes in school?

George Washington considered Hanson the first president. He addressed him in his correspondence by that title and he congratulated Hansen by saying, “I congratulate your Excellency on your appointment to fill the most important seat in the United States.”

After Hanson’s term was up, Congress elected another president. This went on until the Constitution was adopted in 1789. That is when George Washington was elected President of the United States. So, if we want to get technical about it, Washington was the eighth president, not the first.

But, it is very proper and fitting that George Washington is considered the father of our country and the first President of the United States. He is the first president under the Constitution of the United States. A document that is revered for its wisdom and rights to the people.

So, next year when we celebrate Presidents’ Day, let’s not forget Mr. Hanson and the other six forgotten presidents under the Articles of Confederation. And, let’s celebrate all of the presidents and future presidents that have helped lead the greatest nation in the history of the world. So, now you know. Thanks for reading today.