John Pettit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Pettit
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| United States Senator from Indiana |
|
| In office January 18, 1853 – March 3, 1855 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles W. Cathcart |
| Succeeded by | Graham N. Fitch |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 8th district |
|
| In office March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1849 |
|
| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Joseph E. McDonald |
| 6th United States Attorney for the District of Indiana | |
| In office 1839–1841 |
|
| President | Martin Van Buren |
| Preceded by | Tilghman Howard |
| Succeeded by | Courtland Cushing |
| Member of the Indiana House of Representatives | |
| In office 1838-1839 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 24, 1807 Sackets Harbor, New York |
| Died | January 17, 1877 (aged 69) Lafayette, Indiana |
| Political party | Democratic |
John Pettit (June 24, 1807 – January 17, 1877) was an American lawyer, judge, and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator for Indiana. He also worked as a judge in both Indiana and Kansas.
Contents
Early Life and Career
John Pettit was born on June 24, 1807, in Sackets Harbor, New York. He studied hard and became a lawyer in 1831.
Moving to Indiana
In 1838, he moved to Lafayette, Indiana, and started his law practice. He became a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1838 to 1839. From 1839 to 1843, he served as the U.S. district attorney for Indiana.
Political Career
John Pettit was a member of the Democratic Party. He held important roles in the U.S. government.
Serving in the House of Representatives
Pettit was elected to the United States House of Representatives three times. He served from March 4, 1843, to March 3, 1849. After these terms, he tried to be re-elected but was not successful.
Role in Indiana's Government
In 1850, he was chosen as a delegate for Indiana's constitutional convention. This meeting helped create new rules for the state. In 1852, he was a presidential elector for the Democratic Party. This meant he helped formally elect the U.S. President.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
On January 18, 1853, John Pettit was appointed to the United States Senate. He filled a spot that became open when Senator James Whitcomb passed away. He served until March 4, 1855. He tried to be re-elected in 1854 but did not win.
Important Senate Work
While in the Senate, Pettit led the Committee on Private Land Claims. This committee dealt with issues about land ownership.
Debate on Slavery
During his time as a Senator, a big debate happened over the Kansas–Nebraska Act in 1854. This act was about whether new territories like Kansas could allow slavery. John Pettit supported allowing slavery to expand into Kansas. He famously disagreed with Thomas Jefferson's idea from the United States Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal." Pettit said this idea was "nothing more to me than a self-evident lie." This strong statement caused a lot of discussion. Many historians believe this debate helped renew Abraham Lincoln's interest in national politics.
Later Career and Death
After leaving Congress, John Pettit continued his work in law.
Judicial Roles
From 1859 to 1861, he was the chief judge for the U.S. courts in the Kansas Territory. Later, from 1870 to 1877, he served as a judge on the Indiana Supreme Court.
Final Years
John Pettit passed away on January 17, 1877, in Lafayette, Indiana. He was 69 years old. He was buried in Greenbush Cemetery.
