Biography of Edwin M. Stanton


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Stanton, Edwin M. An American statesman. Born in Steubenville, OH, in 1814. He practiced law with success in his native town until 1847, when he settled in Pittsburgh, PA, and there became leader of the bar. In 1857, he took up his abode in Washington, was made attorney-general of the United States in 1860, and secretary of war in 1862. This arduous post he filled throughout the Civil War with conspicuous energy, industry, and ability. He retained office after the death of President Lincoln until 1867, when he was suspended by President Johnson, who appointed General Grant in his place "ad interim." The latter, however, held the appointment only a few months; that is to say, until Stanton's reinstatement by the senate in January, 1868. In May, he definitely retired from the secretaryship. In December, 1869, was appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and died during the same month.