John T. Stuart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John T. Stuart
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John T. Stuart as a major during the Black Hawk War
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865 |
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| Preceded by | Philip B. Fouke |
| Succeeded by | Shelby Moore Cullom |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1839 – March 3, 1843 |
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| Preceded by | William L. May |
| Succeeded by | Orlando B. Ficklin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 10, 1807 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Died | November 28, 1885 (aged 78) Springfield, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Whig Constitutional Union |
John Todd Stuart (born November 10, 1807 – died November 28, 1885) was an important lawyer and politician from Illinois. He is especially known for being a friend and law partner of Abraham Lincoln, who later became president of the United States. Stuart played a big role in Lincoln's early career.
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Early Life and Education
John Todd Stuart was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1807. He went to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and finished his studies there in 1826. After college, he decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1828 and started his law practice in Springfield, Illinois.
Meeting Abraham Lincoln
In 1832, Stuart served as a major in the Black Hawk War. This was an important time because it was where he first met Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was also serving in the same military group as Stuart. This meeting was the start of a very important friendship and working relationship.
Stuart saw potential in Lincoln and encouraged him to study law. Because of Stuart's help and encouragement, Lincoln became interested in the law. They later became law partners, working together from 1837 to 1841. Some people believe that without Stuart's influence, Lincoln might never have pursued a career in law, which could have changed his path to becoming president.
A Career in Law and Politics
John T. Stuart was very active in politics in Illinois. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1832 to 1836.
He ran for the United States Congress in 1836 but did not win that time. However, he was elected as a Whig to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served two terms, from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1843. During this time, he won an election against Stephen A. Douglas in 1838.
After his time in Congress, Stuart started a new law partnership with Benjamin S. Edwards in 1843. This partnership lasted for an impressive forty years. Stuart also served in the Illinois Senate from 1848 to 1852. In 1860, he ran for Governor of Illinois as a candidate for the Constitutional Union Party, but he was not successful.
Stuart was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives again as a Democrat. He served from March 4, 1863, to March 3, 1865. This was during the time when his former law partner, Abraham Lincoln, was president. Stuart was a favorite cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's wife. Even though he was a Democrat, he often visited the White House while Lincoln was president.
In 1864, Stuart ran for re-election but was defeated by Shelby Moore Cullom, who was a supporter of Lincoln.
Later Years and Legacy
After his defeat in 1864, John T. Stuart went back to practicing law in Springfield. He continued his legal work until his death on November 28, 1885. He was buried in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
Stuart's influence is still remembered today. In 2007, Centre College, where Stuart went to school, named a building "Stuart Hall" in his honor. This was to recognize his important role in Abraham Lincoln's career and his contributions to the legal field.
The law firm that Stuart started in Springfield, which was once known as "Stuart and Lincoln," is still in business today. It is now called "Brown, Hay, & Stephens." Interestingly, one of Stuart's great-great-grandsons is a partner in the firm, continuing the family's legacy in law.
