Background
Stanton, Edwin Mcmasters was born on December 19, 1814 in Steubenville, Ohio, United States. Son of David and Lucy (Norman) Stanton.
Stanton, Edwin Mcmasters was born on December 19, 1814 in Steubenville, Ohio, United States. Son of David and Lucy (Norman) Stanton.
Attended Kenyon College, Gambier, O.
Admitted to Ohio bar, 1836. Prosecuting attorney Harrison County (O.), 1837-1839. Leading counsel Mc-Cormick versus Manny patent case.
Special counsel for California in land fraud cases, 1858.
United State Attorneys general, December 1860-March 1861. Adherent Democratic Party (but opposed to Southern control), until 1862, supported Wilmot Proviso, Dred Scott decision.
Strict constitutionalist and Unionist after 1860. United States secretary of war, 1862-1868, instituted changes in organization of department to increase honesty and efficiency.
Received Congressional sanction for governmental control of railroads and telegraph.
Maintained close relations with joint Senate-House on conduct of war. Reputation as administrator based on grasp of detail and quickness of decision. His dispatch of support to Rosecrans in Chattanooga (September 1863) considered one of greatest administration achievements of war.
Frequently interferred in plans of field commanders, disliked because of dictatorial and arrogant manners.
Suppressed evidence tending to show defendent’s innocence in trial of Mary Surratt before military court. Approved President Johnson’s reconstruction policies in cabinet (but evidence indicates that he connived with administration opposition in Congress).
Supported Military Reconstruction Acting of 1867; author of requirement that all Presidential army orders be issued through War Department, 1867.
Opposed Tenure of Office Acting as unconstl.
Resisted pressures to resign (although President Johnson opposed his presence in cabinet after 1866), flatly refused Johnson’s request for resignation, August 1867. Supported by Senate under Tenure of Office Acting in this refusal, but resigned in May 1868 following acquittal of President Johnson in impeachment trial. Supported Grant in 1868 campaign.
Nominated to Supreme Court of the United States Court by Grant, 1869, confirmed, December 1869, died before serving.
Married Mary Ann Lamson, December 31, 1836. Married second, Ellen M. Hutchison, June 25, 1856.