Henry Wilson (1812-1875) Henry Wilson, nicknamed “Natick Cobbler,” was a Senator from Massachusetts (Republican, 1854-73). Possessed of strong principles and a strong character, he chaired the 1852 national Free Soil Convention. Like fellow Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, Wilson was a strong… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

William A. Sprague (1830-1915) Senator from Rhode Island (Democrat, 1863-75), William A. Sprague had more money than sense. As heir to a cotton mill fortune, he organized the Providence Marine Artillery Company in the 1850s. As Governor of Rhode Island (1861-63), he put himself in charge of state militia but refused… Abraham Lincoln’s White House […]

Henry Winter Davis (1817-1866) An attorney and Congressman from Maryland (Know-Nothing, Republican, 1854-61, 63-64), Henry Winter Davis was considered for Lincoln’s first cabinet and had heavy support from New England, his cousin David Davis, Thurlow Weed and William Seward, but lost out to… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John A. McClernand (1812-1900) Union General who was an Illinois Congressman (Democrat, 1843-51, 1859-61) before the Civil War, John A. McClernand was a bundle of political egotism proclaiming “Glorious! Glorious” when he thought things on the battlefield were contributing to his political ambition… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

David Hunter (1802-1886) David Hunter was the Union Army General who issued an order freeing slaves in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida in 1862, which President Lincoln countermanded. A Whig turned Democrat and a one-time Chicago businessman, he was a professional soldier before the… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John C. Frémont (1813-1890) In March 1862, President Lincoln appointed General Frémont to head the “Mountain Department” in western Virginia. Before he did so, Mr. Lincoln consulted with Henry C. Bowen, a businessman who owned the… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John A. Dix (1798-1879) In August 1861, Dix took charge of the Baltimore District and visited President Lincoln for instructions. The meeting was held at Secretary of State William H. Seward’s house. According to aide William O. Stoddard: “The conference was…” Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Chevalier Henry Wikoff (1813-1884) Chevalier Henry Wikoff was a cosmopolitan, globe-trotting rogue, professional gossip and amateur undercover reporter for the New York Herald. Wikoff arrived from Europe during the Buchanan administration and befriended Congressman… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Matthew Simpson (1811-1884) Matthew Simpson was a Methodist Bishop of Philadelphia who gave many lectures and sermons around the country during the Civil War. He was a supporter of the Union, emancipation and President Lincoln. The Lincoln Administration placed particular importance on… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Fourth Presbyterian Church Fourth Presbysterian Church was the preferred church of President Lincoln’s two youngest sons. According to Julia Taft, “The President and Mrs. Lincoln attended the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, but it was not long before Willie and Tad formed the habit of going with…” Abraham Lincoln’s White House >