Our nation has “progressed” quite far from the original intent of the founding fathers. The original American political system was not built on money or “campaigning”. Rather, ideally, it was a system in which the people found a man of high standing and moral character and conduct and they would chose him to represent them in their government. There was fewer politicians and more public servants. The founding fathers did not do what they did for themselves but for the people who had chosen them to represent them. Perhaps no man exemplified this system more than Nathaniel Macon, a founding father from North Carolina who is, sadly, forgotten by many today. I believe that this man deserves a greater part in the history books because his life can teach us many important things.
Nathaniel Macon was born in 1757 in Warren County, North Carolina. His father, Gideon, died when Nathaniel was young. Nathaniel’s mother, Priscilla, sent two of her sons, (one being Nathaniel) to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Nathaniel was a patriot and when the Revolutionary War interrupted his college education, he joined the Colonial army. During the Revolution, Macon was elected to the North Carolina legislature and so began his lengthy service in politics. During his time in public service, he declared that he “never solicited a vote from any man”. Rather, he let the people decide if and when he would serve.
And serve he did! Macon served in the North Carolina Senate until 1786 and after that, began his service in the United States Congress. He was Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807 and John Quincy Adams even wanted him to be his running mate in 1828. This, Macon declined. Macon was a good friend and contemporary of Thomas Jefferson. He was ultra-conservative and a staunch anti-federalist. He spent his time in the Federal government attempting to keep the Federal government limited. He was called by Thomas Jefferson, “Ultimus Romanorum”, the Last of the Romans, because of his simple living and his honest virtue. He was likened to the Roman statesman Cincinnatus for his agrarian lifestyle and simplicity.
When Macon died in 1837, the country lost a great man. Macon worked in establishing the nation and in building it during its early years. He was a selfless patriot and public servant and he believed in the liberty of man and the risks evident in the abuses of power. He lived simply, avoided unnecessary pomp and circumstance and became a national image of Republicanism. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson may be rightfully bestowed the title, Father of the Republican Party because of his work in politics but the same title applies, perhaps in a greater way, to Nathaniel Macon.
Interesting Fact of the Week-Ironically, the Secret Service was established only months after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Originally, the Secret Service was used to combat counterfeiting.
Inspiring Quote of the Week-“Never rise to speak until you have something to say; and when you have said it, cease.” -John Witherspoon