As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, descendants of former presidents are reflecting on the legacies of their ancestors and their impact on the nation. ABC News spoke with several relatives who shared insights into the lives and accomplishments of the presidents in their families.
Thomas R. Washington, a fifth nephew of George Washington, the nation's first president, strives to embody the qualities he associates with his famous relative: honesty and trustworthiness. "I tend to try to be honest in my dealings with people. I want to be trustworthy. I think those were two features that George Washington had in abundance," he told ABC News. He also noted an effort to remain intellectual and treat people well, qualities he believes may be passed down.
Ben Adams, a third great-grandson of John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president, highlighted his ancestor's post-presidency career. After serving as president from 1825 to 1829, Adams returned to Congress, a move unique among U.S. presidents. Adams also shared a less-known personal detail: "John Quincy Adams was famous for skinny dipping in the Potomac River, which was a practice he apparently undertook almost every day, at least when the weather was warm."
Gary Mattingly, great grandnephew of the 12th U.S. president, Zachary Taylor, noted his ancestor's lack of political background, emphasizing his military career. Taylor served from 1849 until his death in 1850. Mattingly also touched on the lingering questions surrounding Taylor's death, mentioning rumors of assassination that persisted even then and were revisited when his remains were exhumed 150 years later, though the cause was never definitively proven.
Catherine West, great-great niece of James Buchanan, the 15th president (1857-1861), pointed out that Buchanan was the only lifelong bachelor to hold the office. She also noted his extensive public service, particularly given his history of college expulsion for rowdy behavior, including drinking, dancing on tables, vandalism, and insubordination.
Tim York, a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, cited Lincoln's role in uniting the country during the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation as his greatest achievements. Lincoln served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.
Ulysses Grant Dietz, youngest great-great-grandchild of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president (1869-1877), acknowledged his ancestor's military success in defeating Robert E. Lee and ending the Civil War. However, he personally considers Grant's writing of his memoirs while dying of cancer, a feat accomplished in less than a year, as his greatest achievement, saving his family from poverty.
Melanie Eisenhower, great-granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president (1953-1961), pointed to his decision to order the D-Day invasion in World War II as his most significant accomplishment, a success that paved the way for victory in Europe and his later presidency. She also revealed a lesser-known fact: Eisenhower played professional baseball for two years before attending West Point, keeping it secret to continue participating in athletics at the academy.
James Carter IV, grandson of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president (1977-1981), emphasized the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt as his grandfather's major foreign policy achievement. He shared an anecdote where Carter presented photos of grandchildren to the leaders to remind them of the stakes during stalled negotiations.
ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with a 24-hour programming event titled "Disney Celebrates America," led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, airing from July 3 to July 4 across all 50 states.