Background
Marcy, William Learned was born on December 12, 1786 in Sturbridge (now Southbridge), Massachusetts, United States. Son of Jedediah and Ruth (Learned) Marcy.
Marcy, William Learned was born on December 12, 1786 in Sturbridge (now Southbridge), Massachusetts, United States. Son of Jedediah and Ruth (Learned) Marcy.
Graduate Brown University, 1808.
Made speech before Tammany Society in New York defending policies of Thomas Jefferson against attacks of Stephen C. Carpenter published as “Oration on the Three Hundred and Eighteenth Anniversary of the Discovery of America,” 1808 (1st of his literary works to be printed). Admitted to New York bar, 1811. Served with 155th New York Regiment during War of 1812, promoted ensign, 1812.
1st recorder of Troy (New York), 1816-1818, mayor, 1816-1818, 21-23.
Partner (with Jacob L. Lane) firm Marcy & Lane, 1818-1823. Edited weekly Troy Budget.
Wrote “Considerations in Favor of the Appointment of Rufus King to the Senate of the United States” (pamphlet which led to restoral of Rufus King to Senate), 1820. Comptroller New York State, 1823-1829.
The American Association Foreign Justice New York State Supreme Court, 1829-1831.
Member United States Senate from New York, 1831, January 1, 1833. Member finance committee, chairman judiciary committee. Introduced phrase “spoils system” in defending Martin Van Buren and his patronage system, 1832.
Governor New York State, 1833-1839, organized 1st geological survey of 56 counties of New York, highest peak in Adirondacks named for him, settled New Jersey boundary dispute.
Member Mexican Claims Commission, 1840-1842, secured about $2,400,000 of America claims. United States secretary of war, 1845-1849, used diplomatic powers in settlement Oregon boundary question, 1846, advocated tariff of 1846.
United States secretary of state, 1853-1857, responsible for numerous treaty negotiations, including Gadsden Treaty with Mexico, 1853, Reciprocity Treaty with Great Britain, 1854, treaty with Netherlands, 1855, Denmark Treaty, 1857. Secretary during signing of Ostend Manifesto, 1855.
Dismissed British minister and 3 British consuls from United States because of their attempts to enlist United States recruits for Crimean War.
Member United States Senate from New York, 1831, January 1, 1833. Member finance committee, chairman judiciary committee. Member Mexican Claims Commission, 1840-1842, secured about $2,400,000 of America claims.
Married Dolly Newell, September 27, 1812. Married second, Cornelia Knower, circa 1825.