A son of Senator Voorhees has been awarded the contract for making a bust of Richard Mentor Johnson, vice president of the United States under Martin Van Buren. The young novice is to receive $8,000 for the “job.” It is not known what qualifications he has for the work, but, like the man who, when asked if he could play the piano, replied he did not know, as he had never tried, it is possible he may succeed if he tries long enough. Johnson is the officer who is supposed to have killed the great Tecumseh in battle.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle, Washington Territory, April 17, 1895.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, Washington Territory, April 17, 1895. (PDF)