One hot summer afternoon, a young black woman was denied passage on a streetcar due to the color of her skin. Protests ensued and the newspapers took up her cause, creating a sensation.
Does this story sound familiar? Well, you may be surprised to learn that the year was 1854 and the city was New York.
A young Chester Alan Arthur successfully sued the rail company on behalf of Elizabeth Jennings. For her damages, she received $250. Arthur got 10%.
Twenty seven years later, children affectionately referred to President Arthur as “The Walrus” due to his bizarre facial hair.