Edwards Pierrepont was a prominent figure in 19th-century America, known for his roles as a lawyer, reformer, and politician. His career spanned various significant positions, including U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Minister to England. Born in 1817 in North Haven, Connecticut, Pierrepont's life was marked by his dedication to law and justice, as well as his involvement in key historical events of his time.
Early Life and Education
Edwards Pierrepont was born on March 4,
1817, in North Haven, Connecticut. He was the son of Giles Pierrepont and Eunice Munson Pierrepont. His family lineage included James Pierrepont, a co-founder of Yale University, which perhaps influenced his educational path. Pierrepont attended several schools in the North Haven area before enrolling at Yale University, where he graduated in 1837.
After completing his education at Yale, Pierrepont traveled and explored the western United States, which was a formative experience for him. He then returned to study law at New Haven Law School, passing the bar in 1840. His early career included a stint as a tutor at Yale University from 1840 to 1841, after which he moved to Columbus, Ohio, to practice law with Phineas B. Wilcox.
Legal and Political Career
Pierrepont's legal career took a significant turn when he moved to New York in 1846 and established his own practice. His involvement in politics began with his election as a Superior Court Judge on the New York Supreme Court, serving from 1857 to 1860. During the American Civil War, Pierrepont was a Democrat who supported President Abraham Lincoln, and he served as Lincoln's personal advisor.
In 1867, Pierrepont conducted the case against John H. Surratt, indicted as an accomplice in the assassination of President Lincoln. This trial was notable as Surratt was the last person tried by a U.S. Military commission in connection with Lincoln's assassination. Pierrepont's arguments in the trial were based on the premise that Surratt was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. Government.
U.S. Attorney General and Later Years
In April 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Pierrepont as U.S. Attorney General. During his tenure, Pierrepont was involved in prosecuting the notorious Whiskey Ring, a national tax evasion scandal. He worked alongside Secretary of Treasury Benjamin Bristow to clean up corruption in the government. Pierrepont also implemented reforms in the Southern U.S. districts, focusing on cleaning up corruption.
After serving as Attorney General, Pierrepont was appointed as U.S. Minister to Great Britain, serving from 1876 to 1877. His time in England was marked by his advocacy for bimetalism, a monetary standard based on the use of two metals, typically gold and silver. Upon returning to the United States, Pierrepont resumed his law practice until his death in 1892.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pierrepont married Margaretta Willoughby in 1846, and they had two children. His son, Edwin, served as Chargé d'Affaires in Rome but died in 1885. Pierrepont's daughter married Leonard F. Beckwith, and the family resided in New York.
Throughout his life, Pierrepont was known for his legal acumen and his efforts to combat corruption. His legacy includes his contributions to the legal field and his role in significant historical events, such as the prosecution of the Whiskey Ring and his involvement in the Surratt trial. Pierrepont's career reflects a commitment to justice and reform, making him a notable figure in American history.
