WADE, wad, Benjamin Franklin, Ameri can lawyer and political leader: b. near West Springfield, Mass., 27 Oct. 1800; d. Jefferson, Ohio, 2 March 187& In 1821 he went to Ohio, where after spending a few years in farming he took up the study. of law, was admitted to the bar in 1827, and in 1831 formed a partner ship with Joshua R. Giddings (q.v.), and built up a large practice. In 1837 he was elected to the State senate as a Whig, where he procured a resolution against the annexation of Texas; he also opposed the Kentucky Slave Bill, and on this account failed of re-election in 1839; but was again elected in 1841. He took active part in the campaign of 1840; and in 1847 was elected the presiding judge of the Third ju dicial Court of Ohio, where he acquired high standing as a jurist In 1851 he was elected to the United States Senate., and re-elected in 1857 and in 1863, thus serving throughout the Civil War. He was a most vigorous opponent of slavery, voted to repeal the Fugitive Slave Law and in opposition to the Kansas-Ne braska Bill. As an orator, he was forceful, carrying conviction by his sincerity. After the election of Lincoln in 1860, he opposed any compromise between the North and the South; from 1861-62 was chairtnan of the joint com mittee on the conduct of the war, and advo cated a vigorous policy and the immediate emancipation of the slaves. In 1864 he opposed
the policy of the President and moderate Re publicans in regard to Reconstruction, and with Senator Davis issued the Wade-Davis mani festo strongly criticising the President's policy. He advocated wholesale confiscation of Con federately-owned property in the North, the arming of the blacks and execution of South ern leaders. He was elected president pro tempore of the Senate, and was thus acting Vice President of the United States in 1865, after Lincoln's assassination. He was criticized for voting for Johnson's impeaclunent, which if oc complished would have resulted in his own elevation to the Presidential office; but after the excitement had subsided, even his op ponents were convinced of his disinterested ness. His ability in debate, fearlessness and honesty gave him a leading position in the Senate and commanded the respect of his asso ciates. Consult Riddle, (Life of Benjamin F. Wade' (1886).