STANTON, Edwin McMasters [1814-1869] -- American lawyer & public official, Secretary of War

As a lawyer Stanton was capable of extraordinary mental labor; he was orderly and methodical, mastering with great precision the law and the facts of his cases, and he was able apparently to plead with equal effectiveness before judges and juries.

He was politically opposed to Lincoln when Lincoln appointed him Secretary of War, and often ridiculed him in private conversation. He eventually changed his mind, for he lamented at Lincoln's death Now he belongs to the ages. There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.

It was Stanton's later removal from office that led to the impeachment of POTUS Andrew Johnson. POTUS Grant appointed him to the Supreme Court, but he died just four days after confirmation by the Senate.  
 

1860-1861

1862-1868

1869

1869