In a democracy, everyday citizens sometimes play a role in presidential inaugurations. American Memory collections contain the stories of citizens who had roles in early inaugural celebrations.

Abraham Lincoln, three-quarter length portrait, standing, facing left [1864 January 8] Civil War Photographs, 1861-1865

In 1938, Mrs. Cora Jamerson remembered her mother's role in Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. Read about Mrs. Jamerson's life, and the lives of other Americans in the American Life Histories, 1936-1940 collection. For the complete text of Mrs. Jamerson's story, search on Jamerson for "Early Songs and Ballads."

Mrs. Jamerson recounts:

My father, John Ayers, when he came from California to Oregon in 1852, worked for some time for Barlow of the Barlow Route. Mrs. Barlow ... was considered quite the lady of the country roundabout. My mother was with her a lot. After Abraham Lincoln's inauguration Mrs. Barlow pieced him a quilt of silk ribbon. There was a wide border all around the quilt, and this border was embroidered in red roses. Mother helped her on it, and was always very proud of her share in the work. [ December 5, 1938 ]

Colonel Roosevelt and his Rough Riders at the top of [San Juan Hill], 1898. Theodore Roosevelt Papers at the Library of Congress

Charles Ballard, born in 1867, remembered how he came to feel an allegiance for Theodore Roosevelt that carried through to Roosevelt's inauguration day. In American Life Histories, 1936-1940, you will find the memories of many Americans, including Mr. Ballard's story. Search on inauguration for the complete text of Mr. Ballard's story and other American life stories.

From Charles Ballard's story:

Governor Otero was Territorial Governor when war was commenced against Spain. He wired me and asked if I would accept a regiment. I did accept and took about thirty men from around Roswell to Santa Fe. From there we went to San Antonio and Teddy Roosevelt who had first conceived of the idea of the Rough Riders - met us there. ...Roosevelt resigned his place as assistant Secretary of the Navy and was made Lieut. Colonel.

Colonel Roosevelt...never spared himself at all. He gave his sleeping car [berth?] to a sick soldier. It has been truthfully said that rank, money, and occupation meant little to him. Cowboys, ambassadors, prize fighters and clergymen were afterwards entertained and sat together as guests of the Roosevelt family at the White House table.

When hostilities were suspended and we were mustered out of service...Colonel Roosevelt invited five of us to go to his home at Oyster Bay for a visit. ...We were royally entertained, by the Roosevelts and others, with dances, fishing, parties, and dinners.

Forty of us Rough Riders formed the Guard Of Honor from the White House to the Capitol Building when Teddy Roosevelt was inaugurated. There are very few left of those men. I don't know of any here in Roswell." [February 12, 1937]