James Kirke Paulding facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Kirke Paulding
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| 11th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office July 1, 1838 – March 4, 1841 |
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| President | Martin Van Buren |
| Preceded by | Mahlon Dickerson |
| Succeeded by | George E. Badger |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 22, 1778 Pleasant Valley, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 1860 (aged 81) Hyde Park, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican (Before 1825) Democratic (1825–1860) |
| Spouse | Gertrude Kemble |
James Kirke Paulding (born August 22, 1778 – died April 6, 1860) was an important American writer. He also served as the United States Secretary of the Navy for a few years. Paulding's early writings were often funny and made fun of the British. One example is The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan (1812).
He wrote many long poems and serious history books. Some of his novels include Konigsmarke, the Long Finne (1823) and The Dutchman's Fireside (1831). He is well-known for creating a character named Nimrod Wildfire, who was described as "half horse, half alligator," in his play The Lion of the West (1831). Paulding also worked with Washington Irving on a magazine called Salmagundi (1807–08).
Contents
James Kirke Paulding's Early Life and Writing
James Kirke Paulding was born on August 22, 1778, in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, New York. His parents were William Paulding and Catherine Ogden. James mostly taught himself what he knew.
He became good friends with another famous writer, Washington Irving. Together, they thought of a fun writing project. Paulding said they wanted to make a small magazine "merely for our own amusement." This led to Salmagundi, a short-lived magazine that made fun of things. It was in this magazine that the word 'Gotham' was first used to describe New York City.
Paulding and Irving were part of a group of writers called the "Knickerbocker Group." This group also included other well-known authors like William Cullen Bryant and Lydia Maria Child.
Paulding's Published Works
Paulding wrote many different kinds of books. His works include The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan (1812), which was a funny story. He also wrote The Dutchman's Fireside (1831), a popular romance novel. He even wrote A Life of Washington (1835) about George Washington.
Parts of his long poem The Backwoodsman (1818) were printed many times. Before writers like Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper became very famous, Paulding tried writing in every style. He wanted to help create a new kind of American literature.
Two of his most important works were a novel and a play. Koningsmarke (1823) started as a funny take on historical novels. But it became a well-written story with interesting characters. His play, The Lion of the West (1831), showed a funny version of Davy Crockett. This play was performed more often than almost any other American play before Uncle Tom's Cabin. An updated version of it was even popular in London.
Paulding's Government Career
James Kirke Paulding held several important jobs in the government. From 1815 to 1823, he was a secretary for the Board of Navy Commissioners. Later, from 1824 to 1838, he worked as a Naval Agent in New York.
In June 1838, President Martin Van Buren chose him to be the Secretary of the Navy. As Secretary, Paulding was careful and traditional. He knew a lot about naval matters. However, he was not very excited about new technology. For example, he did not want to use steam-powered warships. He said he would "never consent to let our old ships perish, and transform our Navy into a fleet of (steam) sea monsters."
Despite his views, his time as Secretary saw some progress. There were advances in steam engineering. The Navy also explored new areas, grew its fleet, and expanded its training program for sailors.
In 1839, Paulding was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society.
Later Life and Legacy
Paulding left his government job in March 1841 when a new president took office. He went back to writing and started farming. He passed away at his farm near Hyde Park, New York. He is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
A United States Navy ship, USS James K. Paulding (DD-238), was named in his honor. Also, during World War II, a Liberty Ship called SS James K. Paulding was named after him.
Paulding's Family Life
Paulding married Gertrude Kemble (who died in 1841) on November 15, 1818. Gertrude was the daughter of a New York merchant named Peter Kemble. She was also the sister of U.S. congressman Gouverneur Kemble. James and Gertrude had four sons:
- Peter Kemble Paulding (1819–1900)
- William Irving Paulding (1825–1890)
- Gouverneur Paulding (1829–1913)
- James Nathaniel Paulding (1833–1898)
A Famous Saying
Paulding wrote a story called "The Politician." In this story, there is a famous saying: "Reward your friends and punish your enemies." This idea has been talked about by many people throughout history.
Important Books and Writings
- 1807–1808 – Salmagundi (with Washington Irving)
- 1812 – The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan
- 1813 – The Lay of the Scottish Fiddle
- 1818 – The Backwoodsman
- 1820 – Salmagundi. Second Series
- 1822 – A Sketch of Old England by a New England Man
- 1823 – Koningsmarke, the Long Finne
- 1825 – John Bull in America, or the New Munchausen
- 1826 – The Merry Tales of the Three Wise Men of Gotham
- 1828 – The New Mirror for Travellers
- 1829 – Tales of the Good Woman, by a Doubtful Gentleman
- 1830 – Chronicles of the City of Gotham
- 1831 – The Dutchman's Fireside
- 1832 – Westward Ho!
- 1835 – Life of George Washington, in two volumes
- 1836 – The Book of St. Nicholas
- 1838 – A Gift from Fairy Land
- 1846 – The Old Continental, or the Price of Liberty
- 1849 – The Puritan and his Daughter
