Herbert Clark Hoover (1874-1964), born on this day in West Branch, Iowa, was orphaned at 10, raised in Oregon, and graduated from Stanford with a Geology degree.

A mining engineer in China, he became involved with German and Belgian investors, then World War I relief efforts, which led to his 1929 Presidential election.

At his inauguration the Republican promised, "I have no fears for the future of our country. It is bright with hope." Ironically, within seven months the stock market crashed and the U.S. was mired in the Great Depression, called the "Hoover Depression" by his foes.

"Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt," he once said facetiously.

A self-made millionaire and outstanding humanitarian, in 1931 he made the Star Spangled Banner the U.S. national anthem. He lost to FDR resoundingly and observed, "Democracy is a harsh employer."

As a former President, he wrote books, raised money for Stanford, and served as chairman of Boys' Club of America. "The boy is our most precious possession, He strains our nerves, yet he is a complex of cells teeming with affection..."

"...He is a periodic nuisance yet he is a joy forever," said Hoover who helped establish 500 new Boys Clubs, halfway to his goal of "a thousand clubs for a million boys."

More PRESIDENTIAL Quotations

The ends could move before they meet. Be ready.