Adlai Stevenson I

= Adlai Stevenson I =

Adlai Ewing Stevenson I (October 23, 1835 – June 14, 1914) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 23rd Vice President of the United States from 1893 to 1897, during the second administration of President Grover Cleveland. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was known for his advocacy of free silver and his opposition to the gold standard.

Early Life and Education

Adlai Stevenson was born in Christian County, Kentucky, to John Turner Stevenson and Eliza Ewing Stevenson. His family moved to Bloomington, Illinois, when he was a child. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University and later transferred to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1857. After completing his education, Stevenson studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1858.

Political Career

Stevenson's political career began in the 1860s when he became active in the Democratic Party. He served as a district attorney in Illinois from 1865 to 1869. In 1874, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1875 to 1877 and again from 1879 to 1881. During his time in Congress, Stevenson was a strong advocate for the interests of farmers and laborers.

Vice Presidency

In 1892, Stevenson was selected as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate to run alongside Grover Cleveland. The Cleveland-Stevenson ticket won the election, and Stevenson served as Vice President from 1893 to 1897. During his tenure, he presided over the Senate and supported Cleveland's policies, although he was more aligned with the free silver movement than Cleveland, who supported the gold standard.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Stevenson remained active in politics. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Illinois in 1908. Despite his defeat, he continued to be a respected figure in the Democratic Party. Stevenson was known for his eloquence and his ability to connect with the common people.

Adlai Stevenson I was the grandfather of Adlai Stevenson II, who was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1952 and 1956. Stevenson's legacy is remembered for his contributions to the Democratic Party and his role in the political debates of his time.

Personal Life

Stevenson married Letitia Green in 1866, and they had four children. He was known for his warm personality and his dedication to his family. Stevenson passed away on June 14, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois, and was buried in Bloomington, Illinois.

References

• McCullough, David. The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For. Simon & Schuster, 2017.
• Smith, Jean Edward. Grover Cleveland: A Study in Character. Henry Holt and Company, 2000.

External Links

• [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Adlai Ewing Stevenson I](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000883)
• [Find a Grave: Adlai Ewing Stevenson I](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/)