The Biographical Historian
Where history comes to you
Selected Pieces
Latest
Billopp Lived Longer Than His Peers
Billopp Lived Longer Than His Peers
Meet Captain Christopher Billopp
Is Billopp Why Staten Island is in New York?
Is Billopp Why Staten Island is in New York?
Race around Staten Island: fact or legend?
This Literary Friendship Is One of My Favorites to Keep Learning
This Literary Friendship Is One of My Favorites to Keep Learning
I can’t devour enough of their story.
This Small Town American Man Was an NFL Champion
This Small Town American Man Was an NFL Champion
He led an interesting life you don’t know.
There Should Be a Mt. Rushmore For Presidential Writers
There Should Be a Mt. Rushmore For Presidential Writers
Now that would be something to see.
This Illinois Small Town Had Starbucks Before It Grew Globally
This Illinois Small Town Had Starbucks Before It Grew Globally
And it all started with one name.
My Hometown’s Connection to the Titanic
My Hometown’s Connection to the Titanic
Your jaw might sink when you read this.
The “Wizard of Oz’s” Author Starred in the Movie
The “Wizard of Oz’s” Author Starred in the Movie
At least, a part of him did.
3 Presidential Children Worth Knowing
3 Presidential Children Worth Knowing
They’re as fun to know as their parents.
George Harrison Bought a Guitar in Small Town America
George Harrison Bought a Guitar in Small Town America
Believe it because it’s true.
Two Unlikeliest Presidents Spent Time in Small Town America
Two Unlikeliest Presidents Spent Time in Small Town America
And the night was a success.
“Silent Night” Has a Connection to Small Town America
“Silent Night” Has a Connection to Small Town America
It’s a little story few people know.
President John Tyler Still Has One Living Grandchild — Seriously
President John Tyler Still Has One Living Grandchild — Seriously
This story is crazier than you think.
Paul Revere’s Ride
Paul Revere’s Ride
The fabled mission may not be everything you thought you knew about it.
The First President to Die in Office
The First President to Die in Office
William Henry Harrison and His Untimely Death
The “Star-Spangled Banner” Has an Interesting Backstory
The “Star-Spangled Banner” Has an Interesting Backstory
And it’s sad not many people know this.
What’s it Like to Run for President Three Separate Times? Ask Henry Clay
What’s it Like to Run for President Three Separate Times? Ask Henry Clay
The great compromiser lost all three bids for president.
Kennedy Is Remembered in My Hometown’s Cemetery
Kennedy Is Remembered in My Hometown’s Cemetery
But he’s nowhere buried near there.
The Naval Prowess of Stephen Decatur
The Naval Prowess of Stephen Decatur
One of America’s earliest naval heroes