Jacob Collamer

Jacob Collamer was an American politician from Vermont who served as a U.S. Senator and held various significant roles throughout his political career. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his opposition to slavery and his support for the Lincoln administration during the American Civil War. Collamer's political journey included terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position as Postmaster General, and a distinguished tenure in the Senate, where he advocated for more stringent Reconstruction measures following the Civil War. His career was marked by a commitment to legal and political reform, as well as a dedication to public service.

Early life and career

Jacob Collamer was born on January 8, 1791, in Troy, New York. He was the son of Samuel Collamer and Elizabeth Van Arnum Collamer. When he was four years old, his family moved to Burlington, Vermont, where he would spend much of his early life. Collamer pursued higher education at the University of Vermont, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1810. The university later recognized his academic achievements by upgrading his degree to a Master of Arts.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Collamer turned his focus to law. He studied under several prominent attorneys in St. Albans, Vermont, including Asa Aldis, Asahel Langworthy, and Benjamin Swift. He later moved to Randolph, Vermont, to finish his legal education with attorney William Nutting. Collamer was admitted to the bar in 1813, marking the beginning of his legal career.

During the War of 1812, Collamer served as an officer in the Vermont Militia. He was appointed as an ensign in the 4th Regiment and later promoted to first lieutenant, serving as aide-de-camp to Brigadier General John French. His military service included a notable incident where he was sent ahead to inform the Vermont Militia commander of his brigade's approach, during which he was mistakenly fired upon by American sentinels but emerged uninjured.

Following the war, Collamer settled in Royalton, Vermont, where he practiced law for two decades. He became a respected figure in the legal community, partnering with James Barrett and mentoring aspiring attorneys, including Lyman Gibbons, who would later become a justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. In addition to his legal practice, Collamer held various local offices, including Register of Probate and Windsor County State's Attorney. He also served as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives, where he played a crucial role in establishing the Vermont Senate in 1836.

From 1833 to 1842, Collamer served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Vermont, succeeding Nicholas Baylies. During this period, he moved to Woodstock, Vermont, and continued to influence the state's legal landscape. He was also involved in higher education as a trustee of the University of Vermont from 1839 to 1845.

Senate tenure

Collamer's political career took a significant turn when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1842 as a member of the Whig Party. He served three terms from 1843 to 1849, during which he became known for his strong opposition to the extension of slavery, the Texas Annexation, and the Mexican-American War. He advocated for high tariffs to support American manufacturers and gained national attention for his speeches, including one on tariffs titled "Wool and Woolens." His leadership roles included serving as Chairman of the Committee on Manufactures and the Committee on Public Lands during different sessions of Congress.

After his tenure in the House, Collamer was appointed as Postmaster General by President Zachary Taylor in 1849. He held this position until July 1850, resigning shortly after Taylor's death to allow President Millard Fillmore to appoint a successor. During his time as Postmaster General, Collamer introduced a permanent system for using postage stamps, which included sending the first letter using a stamp to his brother in Barre, Vermont.

Following his service in the cabinet, Collamer was appointed as a judge of the newly created state Circuit Court in Vermont, where he served until 1854. His judicial career was marked by a commitment to legal integrity and reform.

In 1855, Collamer was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Republican, shortly after the party's formation. He served as a senator until the end of his last term in December 1865. Throughout his Senate career, Collamer was recognized for his strong anti-slavery stance and became a prominent supporter of the Lincoln administration during the Civil War. He was particularly vocal in advocating for more stringent Reconstruction measures than those proposed by Lincoln and his successor, Andrew Johnson. Collamer believed in the necessity of congressional control over the Reconstruction process, reflecting his commitment to ensuring a just and equitable post-war society.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the Senate, Collamer was involved in various legislative efforts and held several key committee positions. In his first term, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills, where he played a role in overseeing the legislative process and ensuring the proper handling of bills that had passed both chambers of Congress. His focus on legal and procedural matters highlighted his background as a lawyer and judge, allowing him to contribute effectively to the legislative framework of the Senate.

Collamer's commitment to anti-slavery legislation was a defining aspect of his Senate career. He used his platform to advocate for policies that would promote civil rights and oppose the expansion of slavery into new territories. His alignment with the Republican Party's principles during a tumultuous period in American history positioned him as a significant figure in the fight against slavery and for the rights of African Americans.

In addition to his legislative work, Collamer's involvement in the Senate coincided with critical events during the Civil War, including debates over military funding, troop mobilization, and the overall direction of the war effort. His support for the Lincoln administration reflected his belief in the necessity of a unified approach to preserving the Union and addressing the challenges posed by the conflict.

Collamer's Senate career concluded at the end of 1865, marking the end of a significant chapter in his public service. He passed away on November 9, 1865, in Woodstock, Vermont, leaving behind a legacy of legal and political contributions that shaped both his state and the nation during a pivotal era in American history. His burial took place at River Street Cemetery in Woodstock, Vermont, where he is remembered for his dedication to public service and his role in advancing the principles of justice and equality.