Thomas Watt Gregory

Thomas Watt Gregory
The Elliotts · Public domain · source
Name	Thomas Watt Gregory
Office	49th United States Attorney General
President	Woodrow Wilson
Term start	1914
Term end	1919
Predecessor	James Clark McReynolds
Successor	Alexander Mitchell Palmer

Thomas Watt Gregory was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as the United States Attorney General under Woodrow Wilson. Born in Mississippi, Gregory grew up in a family of modest means and was educated at Southwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin. He began his career as a lawyer in Austin, Texas, where he became involved in Democratic Party politics and befriended notable figures such as Oscar Branch Colquitt and William Jennings Bryan. Gregory's early life and education laid the foundation for his future success in law and politics, which would eventually lead him to work with influential individuals like Elihu Root and Charles Evans Hughes.

● Early Life and Education

Thomas Watt Gregory was born in Crawford, Mississippi, to a family of Scottish and Irish descent. He spent his childhood in Mississippi and later moved to Texas, where he attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Gregory then went on to study law at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1884. During his time at the university, he was influenced by notable professors such as John Hancock and became interested in Democratic Party politics. After completing his education, Gregory began his career as a lawyer in Austin, Texas, where he worked with prominent lawyers like John W. Davis and James A. Baker Sr.. He also became acquainted with notable figures like William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.

● Career

Gregory's career as a lawyer in Austin, Texas, was marked by his involvement in various high-profile cases, including those related to railroad regulation and labor law. He worked with notable law firms like Baker Botts and became known for his expertise in corporate law and antitrust law. Gregory's work also brought him into contact with influential individuals like J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller, who were major players in the oil industry and finance. In addition to his work as a lawyer, Gregory was also involved in Texas politics, where he supported notable figures like Oscar Branch Colquitt and Pa Ferguson. He also worked with organizations like the American Bar Association and the Texas Bar Association to promote legal reform and judicial independence.

● Attorney General of

the United States In 1914, Gregory was appointed as the United States Attorney General by Woodrow Wilson, replacing James Clark McReynolds. As Attorney General, Gregory played a key role in enforcing federal law and overseeing the Department of Justice. He worked closely with other notable figures in the Wilson administration, including William Jennings Bryan and Robert Lansing. Gregory's tenure as Attorney General was marked by significant events like World War I and the Russian Revolution, which had a major impact on international relations and national security. He also worked to enforce antitrust laws and regulate monopolies, which was a key priority for the Wilson administration. Gregory's work as Attorney General brought him into contact with influential individuals like Elihu Root and Charles Evans Hughes, who were major figures in American politics and international law.

● Later Life and Death

After leaving office in 1919, Gregory returned to his law practice in Washington, D.C., where he worked with notable law firms like Covington & Burling. He continued to be involved in Democratic Party politics and supported notable figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Gregory also remained active in organizations like the American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, where he worked to promote legal reform and judicial independence. He passed away on February 26, 1933, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent American lawyer and politician. Gregory's death was mourned by notable figures like Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge, who remembered him as a dedicated public servant and a skilled lawyer.

● Legacy

Thomas Watt Gregory's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to American law and politics. As United States Attorney General, he played a key role in enforcing federal law and overseeing the Department of Justice. Gregory's work on antitrust law and corporate regulation helped to shape the American economy and promote competition. He also worked to promote legal reform and judicial independence, which remains an important priority for the American legal system. Gregory's legacy is remembered by organizations like the American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, which continue to work towards these goals. His contributions to American politics and international law are also recognized by notable figures like Henry Stimson and Dean Acheson, who remembered him as a skilled diplomat and a dedicated public servant. Category:United States Attorneys General