Jurist; born near
Lanesville, Harrison co., Ind., March 17, 1832.
He attended the State University of
Indiana; and in 1854 was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law. He had served in the legislature when the
Civil War broke out. As colonel of the 52d Indiana Volunteers he served creditably in the Western army.
After the war he was defeated as Republican candidate for
Congressman, and from 1869 to 1882 held the post of
United States district judge in
Indiana.
In
President Arthur's administration
Gresham was
Postmaster-General from 1882 to 1884, and
Secretary of the Treasury from September to December, 1884.
He then became
United States circuit judge, and held that post until 1893.
Meanwhile he was in 1888 a prominent candidate for the
Republican nomination to the Presidency, and in 1892 he declined the Populist invitation to stand for the same office.
His views on public questions had somewhat changed, so that his appointment by
President Cleveland to
the office of
Secretary of State was not entirely a surprise.
He held this office at the time of his death, in
Washington, May 28, 1895.
