Who was Adlai Stevenson I? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Adlai Ewing Stevenson

Died At Age: 78

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Letitia Stevenson

father: John Turner Stevenson

mother: Eliza Ewing Stevenson

children: Lewis G. Stevenson

Vice Presidents Political Leaders

political ideology: Democratic

Died on: June 14, 1914

place of death: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Notable Alumni: Centre College

Ideology: Democrats

U.S. State: Kentucky

More Facts

education: Centre College

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1

What role did Adlai Stevenson I play in American politics?

Adlai Stevenson I was a prominent American politician who served as the 23rd Vice President of the United States from 1893 to 1897.
2

What were some of the key accomplishments of Adlai Stevenson I during his political career?

Adlai Stevenson I is known for his efforts in advocating for civil service reform and his work on the Democratic Party platform, particularly on economic issues.
3

How did Adlai Stevenson I contribute to the Democratic Party's policies and ideologies?

Adlai Stevenson I was a key figure in shaping the Democratic Party's stance on issues such as government reform, labor rights, and economic equality during his time in office.
4

What was Adlai Stevenson I's stance on foreign policy and international relations?

Adlai Stevenson I was known for his support of peaceful diplomacy and his advocacy for a more restrained approach to foreign intervention, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and negotiation.
5

How did Adlai Stevenson I influence future generations of American politicians?

Adlai Stevenson I's legacy as a progressive reformer and advocate for social justice continues to inspire politicians and activists to this day, shaping the Democratic Party's values and principles.

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Childhood & Early Life

Adlai Stevenson I was born in Christian County, Kentucky, where his family owned a farm. His parents were John Turner Stevenson and Eliza Ewing Stevenson.

He attended the Blue Water School in Kentucky. In 1852, his family’s tobacco crops were destroyed by frost; as a result they relocated to Bloomington, Illinois. In Illinois, his father owned a sawmill.

He went to the Illinois Wesleyan University, located in Bloomington and later graduated from Centre College, Danville, Kentucky.

In 1858, he was admitted to the bar and began his practice in Metamora, in Woodford County, Illinois. At 23, this young lawyer became acquainted with prominent attorneys like Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

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American Political Leaders

Career

During the Civil war, he held his first public office as an aide in a court of equity, also known as master in chancery. In 1864, he was elected district attorney and also a presidential elector.

In 1868, after his tenure as a district attorney came to an end, he began to practice law with a cousin, named, James S. Ewing. He relocated to Bloomington with his wife, Letitia, that year.

In 1874, he was elected to the Forty-fourth Congress as a Democrat. He began to serve in this position from the following year, serving in the House of Representatives for the next two years.

In 1876, he stood for re-election but suffered a narrow defeat from Rutherford B. Hayes, who was the leader of the Republican presidential ticket.

In 1878, he contested on the Democratic and Greenback tickets and became victorious. In the next two presidential election years, he lost narrowly, in his final race to the Congress.

In 1885, he was appointed as the first assistant postmaster general under the government of Grover Cleveland. This was the time he fired around 40,000 Republicans and appointed Democrats in their place. The move earned him the wrath of the Republicans and support of the Democrats.

In 1892, he was nominated by the Democrats as a Vice-Presidential candidate. The following year, he was appointed the 23rd Vice President of the United States.

In 1896, his name was mentioned as a candidate to succeed Cleveland. He was made the chairman of the Democratic National Convention. However, the move did not help him gain support.

In 1900, he unsuccessfully stood for Vice President Elections along with William Jennings Bryan, who was 25 years younger than him. After the election, he resumed his law practice in Illinois.

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In 1908, he contested for the office of the governor of Illinois but failed to succeed. The following year, he aided the distance learning school La Salle Extension University.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1866, he married his long time love interest, Letitia Green Stevenson. The couple had four children.

He was a compulsive cigar smoker and as a result was diagnosed with mouth cancer. In 1893, he had to undergo surgery for the same.

He died at the age of 78. He was laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery in Bloomington, Illinois.

In his honour, the Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, United States built the Stevenson House, a residence hall after him.

Facts About Adlai Stevenson I

Adlai Stevenson I was known for his eloquence and wit, often captivating audiences with his humorous and insightful speeches.

Stevenson was an advocate for progressive causes, including labor rights and social justice, earning him a reputation as a champion of the common people.

He had a deep appreciation for literature and the arts, often quoting poetry and literature in his speeches and writings.

Stevenson was known for his integrity and honesty, earning him the respect and admiration of many Americans during his time in public service.

Adlai Stevenson I Biography

You wanted to know

What role did Adlai Stevenson I play in American politics?

What were some of the key accomplishments of Adlai Stevenson I during his political career?

How did Adlai Stevenson I contribute to the Democratic Party's policies and ideologies?

What was Adlai Stevenson I's stance on foreign policy and international relations?

How did Adlai Stevenson I influence future generations of American politicians?