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Stanton (EDWIN MCMASTERS an American)

EDWIN MCMASTERS, an American statesman; born in Steuben-- ville, O., Dec. 19, 1814; was admitted to the bar in 1836; and began to practice in Cadiz, O. He soon rose to eminence and in December, 1860, was appointed Attorney-General of the United States. In. 1862 he succeeded Simon Cameron as:

Secretary of War and held that office for six years. His opposition to President Johnson's plan of reconstruction led the latter to request his resignation in 1867.

He refused to resign, but on Aug. 12: surrendered his office under protest to General Grant as secretary ad interim.

On Jan. 13, 1868, the United States Senate reinstated him, but the President appointed Adjt.-Gen. Lorenzo Thomas to fill his place. Stanton refused to vacate the office, however, and the impeachment of the President followed. On the President's acquittal, Stanton resigned and resumed law practice. On Dec. 20, 1869, he was nominated by President Grant as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, but died before taking his seat, in Washington, Dec. 24.