STANTON, EDWIN McMAsTEns, 1814-69; b. Ohio; of Quaker stock, originally from Culpeper co.,Va.; graduated from Kenyon college in 1833. He entered a book-seller's store in Columbus, Ohio, where lie remained but a brief time; studied law,and was admit ted to the Columbus bar in 1836. He first practiced in Cadiz, Ohio, and became prosecut ing attorney of the county; afterward practiced in Steubenville, Ohio; and in 1839-42, reported the decisions of the supreme court of the state. In 1848 he settled in Pittsburg, Penn., where he became the leader of the bar, and gained a high reputation for his mas terly arguments in the case of the state of Pennsylvania vs. the Wheeling Bridge company. In 1856 lie removed to Washington and practiced extensively before the L.S. supreme court. In 1858 he was in California acting as counsel of the United States in certain important land cases. After Mr. Lincoln's election in 1860, on the resignation of Mr. Cass front the cabinet, and the appointment of Mr. Black, then attorney-general, to succeed him, Mr. Stanton was appointed attorney-general. At the close of Mr. Buchanan's administra tion in the following March he retired with the other outgoing members of the cabinet; but in Jan., 1852, was recalled by Mr. Lincoln, and took the portfolio of secretary of war, in which office he sustained the burden of the vast war operations of the govern ment to a degree that was not equaled by any other one man. His administration was
marked by a course of integrity, comprehensive judgment, determination, and force which won for him the admiration of his countrymen. He was in advance of the presi dent in humanitarian leanings with regard to the negro, the severity of his nature being curiously softened in this connection. Mr. Lincoln viewed the integrity of the entire polit ical system in his conduct of affairs, rather than any one element thereof, and it was not until after long effort on the part of Mr. Stanton that he was induced to specially enter tain the negro question on its own merits, and to take that definite course which resulted in the emancipation act. Mr. Stanton continued a member of the cabinet under presi dent Johnson's administration until May 26, 1868. His resignation occurred after a serious and painful imbroglio, which resulted in the impeachment of Mr. Johnson, which impeachment was not sustained on trial. Congress passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Stanton on his retirement. He resumed the practice of his profession, hut his health was broken by his long and arduous labors, and he was speedily forced to retire from active employment. On Dec. 20, 1869, president Grant nominated him an associate jus tice of the supreme court, and he was at once confirmed by the senate. He died four days after this appointment.