Grover Cleveland.

Name: Presidential Problems
Author: Grover Cleveland

Stephen Grover Cleveland

Born 18 Mar 1837 Caldwell, United States

Died 24 Jun 1908 Princeton, United States

Citizenship United States

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Feb 26, 2026

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TL;DR

Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as president 1885-1889 and 1893-1897, a feat unmatched until Donald Trump in 2024. He won the popular vote three times and was the first to be married in the White House. A staunch enemy of bloated government, Cleveland vetoed more bills than all previous 21 presidents combined. He died of a heart attack in 1908.

Identity & family.

KIN · 9

Names, aliases, and relatives of Grover Cleveland — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Stephen Grover Cleveland

Nicknames Big Steve, Grover the Good, Ugly Honest, The Buffalo Hangman

PARENTS: Anne Neal Richard Falley Cleveland
SPOUSES: Frances Cleveland
CHILDREN: Ruth Cleveland Esther Cleveland Richard F. Cleveland Francis Cleveland Marion Cleveland
SIBLINGS: Rose Cleveland

At a glance.

STATS

Grover Cleveland by the numbers — life, work, and family.

71 Years lived

15 Books

1 Award

1 Marriage

5 Children

Who was Grover Cleveland?

BIOGRAPHY

Grover Cleveland — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey, the fifth of nine children of Anne Neal and Richard Falley Cleveland, a Presbyterian minister. He quit school at age 14 to help support his family. Cleveland was named after Stephen Grover, whose church his father had taken over. He later studied law and was admitted to the New York bar in May 1859.

Career

Cleveland’s political career began as mayor of Buffalo, New York in 1882. He then served as governor of New York from 1883 to 1885, earning the nickname Ugly Honest for his blunt truthfulness. In 1884, he was elected president, defeating James G. Blaine. His first term focused on tariff reform and opposition to wasteful spending. He lost the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote, then won again in 1892, becoming the only president to serve non-consecutive terms. During his second term, he secretly underwent surgery for a sarcoma on his jaw aboard a ship, tied to a chair.

Personal life

Cleveland married Frances Folsom on June 2, 1886, becoming the first and only president to be married in the White House. Frances was the daughter of his late law partner, Oscar Folsom, and Cleveland had been her guardian. They had five children: Ruth 1891-1904, Esther born in the White House in 1893, Marion, Richard F., and Francis. Ruth inspired the name of the Baby Ruth candy bar. Cleveland’s sister Rose lived with them for a time.

Legacy

Cleveland’s legacy as a reformer who fought government corruption and high tariffs endured. He was posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013. His portrait appeared on U.S. currency, including the $1,000 bill. He is remembered as the only U.S. president born in New Jersey and as a symbol of honesty and fiscal conservatism.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Grover Cleveland — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

New Jersey Hall of Fame

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 15

Grover Cleveland's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Presidential Problems

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

State of the Union Addresses of Grover Cleveland

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

Fishing and Shooting Sketches

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

The Writings and Speeches of Grover Cleveland

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

The Independence of the Executive

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

Good Citizenship

by Grover Cleveland
Amazon

The Government in the Chicago Strike of 1894

by Grover Cleveland

Could not load more books.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Grover Cleveland — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Honor Lies in Honest Toil.
From Our Ancestors Come Our Names; from Our Virtues, Our Honors.

Did you know?

FACTS · 35

Little-known facts about Grover Cleveland — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Esther Cleveland was the first and only child born inside the White House, in 1893.
The Baby Ruth candy bar was named after Cleveland’s daughter Ruth, not baseball player Babe Ruth.
His son Francis lived to age 92, which was 158 years after his father’s birth.
Cleveland served as president from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897.
He was the first U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms; Donald Trump became the second in 2024.
Cleveland appears on the 22-cent US postage stamp issued November 22, 1938.
He also appears on a 12-cent US postage stamp issued March 20, 1923.
Cleveland was the first president photographed by a motion picture camera, at William McKinley’s inauguration on March 4, 1897.
His children included Ruth, Esther, Marion, Richard Folsom, and Francis Grover.
Cleveland was named guardian of his future wife Frances after her father’s death.
He served as mayor of Buffalo, New York in 1882.
Cleveland was admitted to the New York State bar in May 1859.
Known as Big Steve while serving as Sheriff of Erie County, New York from 1870 to 1873.
He quit school at age 14 to help support his family.
Cleveland was the fifth of nine children.
He was named after Stephen Grover, whose church his father had taken over.
Cleveland was the first and only president married in the White House.
He vetoed more bills than all previous 21 presidents combined.
Cleveland was a sixth cousin once removed of President Ulysses S. Grant.
His inability to adapt to the industrial revolution cost him a third-term nomination.
A special act of Congress designated him as both the 22nd and 24th president.
Cleveland served as governor of New York from 1883 to 1885.
During his second term, he secretly underwent surgery for a sarcoma on his jaw aboard a ship, tied to a chair.
As governor, he was called Ugly Honest for his blunt truthfulness.
As sheriff, he personally oversaw hangings, earning the nickname The Buffalo Hangman.
Cleveland is one of three men to win the popular vote for president three times.
His portrait first appeared on the $20 Federal Reserve Note in 1914, later moved to the $1,000 bill.
At his death, his estate was valued at $250,000.
His personal desk ended up at the law firm Semmes, Bowen, and Semmes in Baltimore, Maryland.
Cleveland was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is the only US president born in New Jersey.
His second vice president, Adlai Stevenson, later ran for vice president again in 1900.
His concession speeches in 1888 and 1889 gave no hint he would run again.
As of December 2021, Cleveland has three living grandchildren via his son Richard.
He is one of only two bachelors elected president, along with James Buchanan.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 37

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Grover Cleveland.

When was Grover Cleveland born?

Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey. He was the fifth of nine children in a family led by a Presbyterian minister.
Where was Grover Cleveland born?

He was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, USA. He remains the only U.S. president born in New Jersey.
When did Grover Cleveland die?

Grover Cleveland died on June 24, 1908 at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. He was 71 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Grover Cleveland when he died?

He was 71 years old. He died of a heart attack on June 24, 1908 in Princeton, New Jersey.
Where did Grover Cleveland die?

He died at his home in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. The house was in Princeton, and he had lived there after leaving the presidency.
What was Grover Cleveland's real name?

His full real name was Stephen Grover Cleveland. He was named after Stephen Grover, a minister whose church his father had taken over.
What nationality was Grover Cleveland?

He was a citizen of the United States. He served as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.
What language did Grover Cleveland speak?

He spoke English as his native language. He was born and raised in the United States.
Who were Grover Cleveland's parents?

His parents were Anne Neal and Richard Falley Cleveland. His father was a Presbyterian minister.
Who was Grover Cleveland married to?

He was married to Frances Folsom. They married on June 2, 1886 in the White House, making him the only president to be married there.
Did Grover Cleveland have children?

Yes, he had five children: Ruth, Esther, Marion, Richard F., and Francis. Esther was the only child born inside the White House.
Did Grover Cleveland have any siblings?

Yes, he had eight siblings, including a sister named Rose. He was the fifth of nine children.
Where did Grover Cleveland go to school?

He attended Princeton University. However, he quit school at age 14 to help support his family before later studying law.
What awards did Grover Cleveland win?

He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013. This honor recognized his historical services as president.
How many major awards did Grover Cleveland win?

He received one major award: induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013.
How tall was Grover Cleveland?

Grover Cleveland stood 5 feet 11 inches 1.80 meters. His height was average for presidents of his era.
Why was Grover Cleveland called 'Big Steve' and 'Grover the Good'?

He was called Big Steve while serving as sheriff of Erie County due to his large build. Grover the Good reflected his reputation for honesty. He also earned the nicknames Ugly Honest as governor and The Buffalo Hangman as sheriff.
What films feature Grover Cleveland?

Cleveland appears in early films such as McKinley and Cleveland Going to the Capitol and Return of McKinley from the Capitol, which document the 1897 inauguration.
Was Grover Cleveland married?

Yes, he was married to Frances Folsom from June 2, 1886 until his death on June 24, 1908. She was 21 years old at the time of their marriage, making her the youngest First Lady in history.
How did Grover Cleveland die?

He died of a heart attack at his home in Princeton, New Jersey on June 24, 1908. He was 71 years old.
What was Grover Cleveland known for?

He is known for being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, and for his reputation as an honest reformer who vetoed more bills than all previous presidents combined.
Did Grover Cleveland have secret surgery while president?

Yes, during his second term, he secretly underwent surgery for a sarcoma on his upper jaw aboard a ship, tied to a chair. The surgery lasted 41 minutes and he later taught himself to speak again.
How many bills did Grover Cleveland veto?

He vetoed more bills than all previous 21 presidents combined. He was a staunch enemy of bloated government.
Why was Grover Cleveland called 'The Buffalo Hangman'?

As sheriff of Erie County, New York, he personally oversaw all hangings. This grim duty earned him the nickname The Buffalo Hangman.
Who was the youngest First Lady in history?

Frances Cleveland, Grover Cleveland’s wife, became the youngest First Lady at age 21 when she married him in the White House in 1886.
What is the connection between Grover Cleveland and the Baby Ruth candy bar?

The Baby Ruth candy bar is named after Cleveland’s daughter Ruth, not the baseball player Babe Ruth. Ruth Cleveland was born in 1891 and died young.
Did Grover Cleveland serve in the military?

There is no record of Grover Cleveland serving in the military. He was a lawyer and politician before becoming president.
Why was Grover Cleveland called 'Ugly Honest'?

While governor of New York, the press gave him the nickname Ugly Honest because he had a reputation for always telling the unvarnished truth.
What was unusual about Grover Cleveland's presidential terms?

He served two non-consecutive terms as president 1885-1889 and 1893-1897, making him both the 22nd and 24th president. A special act of Congress resolved his numbering.
Which presidents have won the popular vote three times?

Only three men have won the popular vote for president three times: Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Cleveland lost the Electoral College in 1888.
Was Grover Cleveland the only bachelor president?

No, he was one of two bachelors elected president, along with James Buchanan. Cleveland married while in office.
Did Grover Cleveland have any grandchildren?

Yes, as of December 2021, he has three living grandchildren via his son Richard Cleveland.
What was Grover Cleveland's estate worth at his death?

At his death in 1908, his estate was valued at $250,000, a substantial sum for the time.
Where is Grover Cleveland on U.S. currency?

His portrait appeared on the $20 Federal Reserve Note in 1914 and later on the $1,000 bill. The $1,000 bill was discontinued in 1969.
Who was Grover Cleveland's vice president during his second term?

His second vice president was Adlai Stevenson I. Stevenson later ran for vice president again in 1900 with William Jennings Bryan.
What caused Grover Cleveland to lose the 1888 election?

He lost the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote. Harrison prevailed in the Electoral College.
Why did Grover Cleveland quit school at age 14?

He quit school to help support his family. His father’s death or financial difficulties forced him to work early in life.

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Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on February 26, 2026

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