born March 8, 1799, Maytown, Pa., U.S.
died June 26, 1889, Donegal Springs, Pa.
U.S. politician.
He was successful in several businesses before entering the U.S. Senate (184549, 185761, and 186777). As leader of Pennsylvania's Republican Party, he helped secure the nomination of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Appointed secretary of war in 1861, he was soon dismissed for showing favouritism in awarding army contracts.