Grover Cleveland (A Life)

March 18th of '37 up in Caldwell, N.J.
Stephen Grover Cleveland came into this world that day
He studied law at a lawyer's, '59, he joined the bar
He paid for a replacement to fight in the Civil War
Ran his law practice, County Sheriff in '71
'73, returned to law, worked hard like anyone
In Buffalo, New York, he ran for mayor and won
Soon, he became governor for his fighting corruption

He was picked to run in '85, became president
Then, Cleveland wed Frances after her parent's consent
Had five children, Francis, Richard, Marion, Esther and Ruth
Fought political corruption, always seeking the truth
He vetoed many bills, the watchdog over Congress
But, his plans to lower tariffs caused unions much distress
He lost re-election, but four years later, Cleveland won
The financial Panic of '93 brought fear and bank runs

Grover Cleveland, president 22 and 24
A man with principles, more concerned with action than rapport

He felt America resilient, could withstand the pain
But his unpopular plans made him lose what he had gained
Left Washington in '97 for his New Jersey home
Served as trustee for Princeton U., made his opinions known
On June 24, 1908, Cleveland lost the fight
His last words that morning were, I've tried so hard to do right
His legacy was his drive to keep Washington honest
He's on the $1,000 bill, tried to fulfill his promise