Harry S. Truman: Age 13

(Truman at Age 13. Taken in 1897)

Poor young Harry S. Truman. From birth, Truman was incredibly nearsighted, forcing him to wear thick glasses.  Born in a time without sport goggles, Truman was unable to participate in the usual romping sports of young boys. Seeing that her son would never excel in physical activities she encouraged piano lessons, hoping that he would become a concert pianist. His poor eyesight also prevented him from following his original dream of joining the United States Military Academy, so instead worked in the Missouri National Guard.[1]

(Picture Credit: Harry S. Truman at Age 13. Photograph. Harry S. Truman (1884-1972). April 6,
     1999. Accessed October 21, 2012. http://histclo.com/pres/Ind20/truman.html.)

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[1] A. L. Hamby, "Carrying on the New Deal," in The American Destiny: The Day before Yesterday, by A. L. Hamby, et al., ed. Henry Steele Commager, et al. (London, England: Orbis Book Publishing, 1986), 10.