A Figure of Weight: Samuel Southard and the Politics of the Early Republic Part Two
Dive into the second act of Samuel L. Southard’s career as he navigated the fractious politics of the Adams administration and a high-stakes personal vendetta with Andrew Jackson. This episode highlights his leadership in pushing for ambitious naval innovations and his pivotal role in American political history, eventually serving as President pro tempore and standing next in line for the presidency. With my special guests, Jamie and Rob from Totalus Rankium, we evaluate Southard's career and legacy and determine whether he has what it takes to join the ranks of the Cabinet All-Stars.
Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.
Special thanks to Rob and Jamie of Totalus Rankium for joining me for this episode! Be sure to check out their Pirates series as well as Roman Emperors and American Presidents!
Sources used for both parts of the Samuel L Southard episode:
- Birkner, Michael. Samuel L. Southard: Jeffersonian Whig. Cranbury, NJ; London; and Mississauga, ON: Associated University Presses, 1984.
Cunningham, Noble E, Jr. The Presidency of James Monroe. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 1996.
Landry, Jerry. The Presidencies of the United States. 2017-2026. https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.
Mooney, Chase C. William H. Crawford: 1772-1834. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1974.
“Samuel Lewis Southard (1787-1842).” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6654589/samuel-lewis-southard. [Last Accessed: 10 Feb 2026]
- Traub, James. John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit. New York: Basic Books, 2016.
Featured Image: "Sam L. Southard, senator from New Jersey" by Charles Fenderich and Peter S Duval [c. 1838], courtesy of Wikipedia
