Feng Guozhang

Fng Guzhng, was a key Beiyang Army general and politician in early republican China. He held the office of VicePresident and then President of the Republic of China. He is considered the founder of the Zhili Clique of Warlords that vied for control of northern China during the chaotic Warlord era.

Feng Guozhang was born to a peasant family in Hejian, Hebei . His family had fallen on hard times and was forced to sell its property to educate its sons however being the fourth son, Feng was unable to complete his education due to costs. He reputedly had to survive part of his early life by playing the violin in disreputable theatres.

Source: Wikipedia