Special Report
The Net Worth of the American Presidents: Washington to Trump
November 1, 2020 8:00 am
Last Updated: November 2, 2020 9:17 am
16th: Abraham Lincoln
> Est. peak net worth: less than $1 million
> In office: 1861-1865
Abraham Lincoln served as an attorney for years before his presidency. He also worked in manual labor and had a failed general store. He owned a single-family home in Springfield, Illinois and was never especially wealthy.
17th: Andrew Johnson
> Est. peak net worth: less than $1 million
> In office: 1865-1869
After his father died when he was very young, Andrew Johnson’s mother worked to support her family. Johnson worked as a tailor before moving into politics. He served the public for 20 years, including as governor of Tennessee and U.S. senator. Johnson owned a small house in Greeneville, Tennessee.
18th: Ulysses Simpson Grant
> Est. peak net worth: less than $1 million
> In office: 1869-1877
Ulysses S. Grant’s father was a tanner, and his wife was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Grant lost almost all of his money when he was swindled by his son’s investing partner after his presidency. Although he died with little money, his autobiography, published posthumously, kept his family afloat.
19th: Rutherford Birchard Hayes
> Est. peak net worth: $3.1 million
> In office: 1877-1881
Hayes was an attorney for 15 years and owned Spiegel Grove, a 10,000 square foot home that sat on 25 acres in Fremont, Ohio. Hayes also served as governor of Ohio and was a member of the House.
20th: James Abram Garfield
> Est. peak net worth: less than $1 million
> In office: 1881-1881
James Garfield was born in a log cabin in Ohio. He spent 18 years in the House of Representatives. Garfield owned Lawnfield, a home and small property in Mentor, Ohio. He was assassinated during the first year of his term.