While they built businesses, they helped to build libraries, schools, museums and community parks. In their travels, they meet other like minded businessmen and began corresponding with their counterparts in major cities. As they learned new techniques to grow their business, they learned about people in need of assistance. When these men heard of someone in need they reached out and sent them letters of encouragement along with a little financial help.
Every American identifies with the big names of Carnegie, Morgan, Rockefeller and others, all of whom built empires, but they aren’t remembered for their companies, instead they’re remembered for giving millions of dollars to charities across America. None of these men gave because they had compassionate hearts; they gave because they loved to read their name in the paper, after all their lives were played out on the front pages of the morning news. This was especially the case after giving to charities.
Since the beginning of American history there have been many such men, who have given to others out of compassion in their heart. Many of our founding fathers were philanthropists in their day, not because they were seeking fame, but because it was the way they were raised.
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| Thomas Corwin |
He was an eloquent orator and a successful lawyer with a great sense of humor. His sense of justice and compassion lead him into politics, first serving as a member of the Ohio State Legislature, then the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1840, Corwin campaigned for and won the Governor seat, serving only one term. He returned to Washington, DC, this time as Senator and became known as the most vocal Senator to oppose the Mexican-American War. That opposition would later land him the position of Minister of Mexico.
Corwin was best known for his famous quote describing his fellow politicians: “The world has a contempt for the man who amuses it. You must be solemn, solemn as an ass. All the great monuments on earth have been erected over the graves of solemn asses.” Maybe modern day politicians should read Corwin’s words, because they seem to still apply to many on Capitol Hill today.
After President Taylor’s death, Corwin resigned from the Senate and became the Secretary of Treasury under President Fillmore. A man of strong convictions, Corwin was a staunch supporter of those who worked within industry throughout the United States of America. When Congress wanted to make drastic changes and modifications to the 1846 Free Trade Tariff Law, Corwin’s protective nature shown through when he objected to the provision that would charge the manufacturing industry a higher tax on imported raw materials. He stuck to his principles when he stated to Congress in 1849 “such provisions certainly take from the manufacturer and artisan that encouragement which the present law was intended to afford”. Even back then, Corwin could see that by over taxing our manufacturing industry it would eventually destroy productivity throughout America.
Frustrated with the inept representation in Congress, Corwin left Treasury and returned to Ohio, only to return to Washington in 1859 as a newly elected Congressional Representative. He continued to serve until 1861. After Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated Corwin resigned his position on Capitol Hill and become the new Minister of Mexico. As Minister of Mexico he was responsible for keeping the peace between the two countries during the Civil War.
No matter what position Corwin held throughout his life, he remained consistent to his roots - taking care of others. As a lawyer, he defended those who needed defending. As a politician, he protected the rights given to all Americans under the Constitution. As Secretary of Treasury, he protected those within the manufacturing industry from being taxed beyond their means of producing goods to be sold at a fair price both at home and around the world. As Minister of Mexico he kept things friendly between our two countries during a war.
But the most important action he took throughout his lifetime should be the legacy remembered of this one man. Throughout his career Corwin wrote letters of encouragement to those he learned were going through a rough time. It is not known how he learned about their plight, but he felt their pain and wanted to help them by lifting their spirit just a little. Each person received a hand written letter that contained encouraging words and a five dollar bill. Thomas Corwin, a simple lawyer from a sleepy little town in the valley of Ohio touched many lives with his generous heart and compassionate ways. Men like Thomas Corwin have gone to their grave with a smile, knowing they were raised to watch over their fellow Americans. It was people like him who helped make this country prosper and become great because they gave of themselves when they heard of someone down on their luck and hurting.
The philanthropy world has changed over the last one hundred years. Men like Thomas Corwin don’t exist anymore. Millionaires of today don’t seem to have a heart, maybe because they’re more interested in giving to those in another country, rather than helping their fellow Americans who have fallen on hard times. They aren’t interested in reaching out with encouraging words to lift the spirits of someone in need. America needs more men like Thomas Corwin, who were born from mothers who taught their children to have courage, compassion and love for their fellow Americans in need. We need mothers to teach their children American Values so they will respect each other once again in order to protect America and its citizens. We need mothers to teach their children to help those within their community who need food, shelter and jobs, before helping those in another country. By taking care of those here at home first, we can build a stronger community and a more powerful nation that has compassion and courage with a commitment to freedom and prosperity.
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