# Edwin M. Stanton

> American lawyer and politician (1814–1869)

**Wikidata**: [Q448803](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448803)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Stanton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edwin-m-stanton

## Summary
Edwin M. Stanton was an American lawyer and politician who lived from 1814 to 1869. He served as the United States Secretary of War during the American Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln. Stanton is best known for his role in managing the Union war effort and his involvement in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.

## Biography
- Born: 1814
- Died: 1869
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Kenyon College
- Known for: Serving as U.S. Secretary of War during the Civil War
- Employer(s): United States Government
- Field(s): Law, Politics

## Contributions
Edwin M. Stanton's most significant contribution was his service as Secretary of War from 1862 to 1868, where he played a crucial role in organizing the Union's military resources and strategy during the American Civil War. He was instrumental in the prosecution of the war effort, working closely with President Lincoln to ensure the Union's victory. After Lincoln's assassination, Stanton was involved in the investigation and trial of the conspirators.

## FAQs
What was Edwin M. Stanton's role in the Civil War?
Stanton served as Secretary of War under President Lincoln, overseeing the Union's military operations and resources throughout the Civil War.

Where did Edwin M. Stanton receive his education?
Stanton attended Kenyon College in Ohio, though he did not complete his degree there.

What happened to Edwin M. Stanton after the Civil War?
After the war, Stanton continued to serve as Secretary of War under President Andrew Johnson until 1868, when he resigned due to conflicts with Johnson over Reconstruction policies.

## Why They Matter
Edwin M. Stanton's leadership as Secretary of War was crucial to the Union's victory in the Civil War. His organizational skills and determination helped transform the Union Army into an effective fighting force. Stanton's role in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, including the pursuit and prosecution of the conspirators, cemented his place in American history. His tenure also highlighted the tensions between the executive branch and Congress during the Reconstruction era.

## Notable For
- Serving as U.S. Secretary of War during the American Civil War
- Working closely with President Abraham Lincoln
- Involvement in the investigation and trial of Lincoln's assassins
- Conflict with President Andrew Johnson over Reconstruction policies
- Having counties in both Kansas and Nebraska named after him (Stanton County)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Edwin M. Stanton was born in 1814 in Steubenville, Ohio. He attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in the United States, founded in 1824. Although he began his studies at Kenyon, Stanton did not complete his degree there.

### Legal Career
After leaving Kenyon, Stanton studied law and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1836. He practiced law in Ohio and later in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Stanton gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer, particularly in patent law cases.

### Political Career
Stanton's political career began when he was appointed as Attorney General for the District of Columbia in 1853. He later served as Secretary of War under President James Buchanan from 1860 to 1861, just before the outbreak of the Civil War.

### Secretary of War
In January 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Stanton as Secretary of War, a position he held until 1868. During his tenure, Stanton was known for his tireless work ethic and his sometimes abrasive personality. He played a crucial role in organizing the Union's military resources, including the mobilization of troops, the procurement of supplies, and the coordination of military strategy.

### Role in the Civil War
Stanton worked closely with President Lincoln throughout the Civil War, often staying in constant communication with military commanders in the field. He was instrumental in the appointment of effective generals, including Ulysses S. Grant, and in the implementation of the Union's total war strategy. Stanton also oversaw the expansion of the War Department and the creation of new agencies to support the war effort.

### Aftermath of Lincoln's Assassination
Following President Lincoln's assassination in April 1865, Stanton took charge of the investigation. He coordinated the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth and the other conspirators, and oversaw their trial and execution. Stanton's actions during this period were controversial, as he was accused of using military tribunals to bypass civilian courts.

### Conflict with Andrew Johnson
After Lincoln's death, Stanton continued as Secretary of War under President Andrew Johnson. However, he soon found himself at odds with Johnson over the President's lenient approach to Reconstruction. Stanton supported the Radical Republicans in Congress, who favored a more punitive approach to the former Confederate states. This conflict ultimately led to Johnson's impeachment in 1868, with Stanton's dismissal being one of the key issues.

### Legacy
Edwin M. Stanton's legacy is complex. He is remembered as a key figure in the Union's victory in the Civil War and as a dedicated public servant. However, his sometimes authoritarian methods and his role in the harsh treatment of the South during Reconstruction have also been criticized. Stanton's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with counties in both Kansas and Nebraska being named in his honor.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Geni.com
3. Find a Grave
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. SNAC
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Virtual International Authority File