Walter Q. Gresham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Q. Gresham
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| 33rd United States Secretary of State | |
| In office March 7, 1893 – May 28, 1895 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | John W. Foster |
| Succeeded by | Richard Olney |
| Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit | |
| In office June 16, 1891 – March 3, 1893 |
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| Appointed by | operation of law |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 26 Stat. 826 |
| Succeeded by | James Graham Jenkins |
| Judge of the United States Circuit Courts for the Seventh Circuit | |
| In office October 28, 1884 – March 3, 1893 |
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| Appointed by | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by | Thomas Drummond |
| Succeeded by | James Graham Jenkins |
| 35th United States Secretary of the Treasury | |
| In office September 5, 1884 – October 28, 1884 |
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| President | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Folger |
| Succeeded by | Hugh McCulloch |
| 31st United States Postmaster General | |
| In office April 9, 1883 – September 4, 1884 |
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| President | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by | Timothy O. Howe |
| Succeeded by | Frank Hatton |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Indiana | |
| In office September 1, 1869 – April 9, 1883 |
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| Appointed by | Ulysses S. Grant |
| Preceded by | David McDonald |
| Succeeded by | William Allen Woods |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Walter Quintin Gresham
March 17, 1832 Lanesville, Indiana |
| Died | May 28, 1895 (aged 63) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican (1854–1892) Democratic (1892–1895) |
| Spouse | Matilda McGrain |
| Parents |
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| Education | read law |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States• Union |
| Branch/service |  United States Army• Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Walter Quintin Gresham (born March 17, 1832 – died May 28, 1895) was an important American leader. He served as a judge in federal courts. He also held several important positions in the United States government. These included Postmaster General and United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Chester A. Arthur. Later, he became United States Secretary of State for President Grover Cleveland.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Walter Gresham was born on March 17, 1832, near Lanesville, Indiana. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1854. He started his own law practice in Corydon, Indiana.
Political Start in Indiana
From 1854 to 1860, Gresham worked as a private lawyer. He was very active in the Republican campaigns in 1856. In 1860, he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives. This was a big win because his district usually voted for the Democratic side. As the head of the Committee on Military Affairs, he helped prepare Indiana's soldiers for the American Civil War.
Joining the Military Service
Gresham served in the United States Army during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. After the war, he returned to practicing law in New Albany, Indiana. From 1867 to 1869, he managed Indiana's state money.
Military Service During the Civil War
Walter Gresham played a brave role in the American Civil War. He joined the army in 1861.
Rising Through the Ranks
On September 18, 1861, Gresham became a lieutenant colonel in the 38th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. By December, he was promoted to colonel. He then led the 53rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His regiment fought in important battles like the Siege of Corinth and the Siege of Vicksburg. During the Siege of Vicksburg, Colonel Gresham was in charge of a brigade (a large group of soldiers).
Becoming a General and Injury
In August 1863, Gresham was made a brigadier general. He took command of the Union forces in Natchez, Mississippi. In 1864, he led a division in Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. On July 20, before the Battle of Atlanta, he was shot in the knee. This injury forced him to leave active duty and caused him to be lame for the rest of his life. In 1865, he was given the honorary title of brevet major general.
Serving as a Federal Judge
After his military service, Walter Gresham began a long career as a judge.
District Court Appointment
President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Gresham as a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Indiana. This happened on September 1, 1869. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment on December 21, 1869. He served in this role until April 9, 1883, when he resigned.
Cabinet Roles in Washington D.C.
Walter Gresham held two important positions in President Chester A. Arthur's cabinet.
Postmaster General
In April 1883, Gresham became the Postmaster General of the United States. This meant he was in charge of the country's mail system. He worked to stop the illegal Louisiana Lottery.
Secretary of the Treasury
In September 1884, Gresham took on another big role. He became the United States Secretary of the Treasury. This position meant he was responsible for the nation's money and finances. He resigned from this role the next month to become a federal judge again.
Return to the Judiciary
Gresham returned to the federal court system after his cabinet roles.
Circuit Court Judge
On October 28, 1884, President Chester A. Arthur appointed Gresham as a judge for the United States Circuit Courts for the Seventh Circuit. The Senate confirmed his appointment on December 9, 1884.
Court of Appeals Service
Starting June 16, 1891, Gresham also served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He held both judicial positions until March 3, 1893, when he resigned again.
Political Changes and Secretary of State
Walter Gresham's political views changed over time, leading him to a final important role.
Presidential Candidate
Gresham was considered a possible candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 1884 and 1888. In 1888, he was a strong contender for a while. Many farmer groups, like The Agricultural Wheel and Grange, supported him.
Changing Political Parties
Over time, Gresham disagreed more and more with the Republican Party's leaders. In 1892, he decided to support the Democratic candidate, Grover Cleveland, for president.
Secretary of State and Death
When Grover Cleveland became president, he chose Gresham to be his United States Secretary of State. This meant Gresham was the country's top diplomat, handling relations with other nations. He served in this role from 1893 until his death on May 28, 1895, in Washington, D.C.. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family Background
Walter Gresham came from a family with a history of public service.
Parents and Grandparents
His parents were William Gresham (1802–1834) and Sarah Davis. William was a Colonel in the Indiana militia and a member of the Whig Party. He was also elected Sheriff of Harrison County, Indiana. Sadly, William was fatally injured in 1834 while helping to arrest a person.
Walter's grandparents were George Gresham and Mary Pennington. George was born in Virginia and later moved to Kentucky and then Indiana. Mary was the sister of Dennis Pennington, who was the speaker of the first Indiana Senate.
Ancestry and Marriage
George Gresham's father, Lawrence Gresham, was born in England. He moved to the Colony of Virginia in 1759. He later served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Walter Gresham married Matilda McGrain. One of his grandsons was U.S. Representative Walter G. Andrews.
Places Named After Gresham
Several communities in the United States are named in honor of Walter Gresham. These include towns in Oregon, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
