Thomas A. Hendricks

Thomas A. Hendricks
Jose Mora · Public domain · source
Name	Thomas A. Hendricks
Birth date	September 7, 1819
Birth place	Fulton County, Indiana
Death date	November 25, 1885
Death place	Indianapolis, Indiana
Party	Democratic
Spouse	Eliza Carol Morgan Hendricks
Alma mater	Hanover College

Thomas A. Hendricks was an American politician who served as the 21st Vice President of the United States under President Grover Cleveland. He was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and played a significant role in the Indiana General Assembly and the United States Senate. Hendricks was known for his strong support of the Constitution of the United States and his opposition to the Radical Republicans. He worked closely with other notable politicians, including Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and Ulysses S. Grant.

● Early Life and Education

Thomas A. Hendricks was born on September 7, 1819, in Fulton County, Indiana, to John Hendricks and Jane Thomson Hendricks. He attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, where he studied Classics and Law. After graduating, Hendricks moved to Shelbyville, Indiana, where he began his career as a Lawyer and became involved in local Politics. He was influenced by the ideas of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and he often cited the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution in his speeches. Hendricks was also friends with other notable figures, including Robert Dale Owen and Oliver P. Morton.

● Career

Hendricks' career in politics began in the Indiana House of Representatives, where he served from 1848 to 1850. He then moved to the Indiana Senate, serving from 1850 to 1852. In 1851, Hendricks was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives, where he served until 1855. He was a strong supporter of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and worked closely with other politicians, including Stephen A. Douglas and Lewis Cass. Hendricks also served as the Governor of Indiana from 1873 to 1877, where he implemented various reforms, including the establishment of the Indiana State Board of Health and the Indiana State Normal School. He worked with other notable governors, including Oliver P. Morton and James D. Williams.

● Vice Presidency

In 1884, Hendricks was chosen by Grover Cleveland as his running mate in the presidential election. The Democratic Party ticket won the election, and Hendricks became the 21st Vice President of the United States. As Vice President, Hendricks played a significant role in the Cleveland administration, working closely with the President and other cabinet members, including Thomas F. Bayard and Daniel Manning. He was a strong supporter of the Tariff Act of 1883 and worked to reduce the national debt. Hendricks also attended various events, including the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition and the International Meridian Conference.

● Personal Life

Hendricks married Eliza Carol Morgan Hendricks in 1845, and they had one child together. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and was known for his strong Christian values. Hendricks was also a strong supporter of Education and worked to establish several schools and universities, including Purdue University and Indiana University. He was friends with other notable educators, including William Mitchell and John Purdue. Hendricks was also a member of various organizations, including the Indiana Historical Society and the American Colonization Society.

● Death and Legacy

Thomas A. Hendricks died on November 25, 1885, in Indianapolis, Indiana, while still in office as Vice President. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hendricks' legacy is remembered as a strong supporter of the Constitution of the United States and a champion of States' rights. He is also remembered for his work in establishing various schools and universities, including Purdue University and Indiana University. Hendricks' life and career have been studied by various historians, including Allan Nevins and Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.. He is also commemorated in various ways, including the Thomas A. Hendricks Library at Hanover College and the Hendricks County, Indiana.

● Political Positions

Hendricks was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and its principles. He believed in States' rights and was opposed to the Radical Republicans and their policies. Hendricks also supported the Tariff Act of 1883 and worked to reduce the national debt. He was a strong supporter of Education and worked to establish several schools and universities, including Purdue University and Indiana University. Hendricks' political positions were influenced by the ideas of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and he often cited the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution in his speeches. He worked closely with other notable politicians, including Grover Cleveland, Stephen A. Douglas, and Ulysses S. Grant.