Thaddeus Stevens

Thaddeus Stevens (April 4, 1792 – August 11, 1868) was an American Republican leader. He was one of the most powerful members of the United States House of Representatives from 1849 until his death in 1868.

He was chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Stevens was a witty, sarcastic speaker and confident party leader. He dominated the House from 1861 until his death. Stevens helped create the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.Thaddeus Stevens He also helped with the act that helped the Reconstruction of the United States.

Early life
Stevens was born in Danville, Vermont on April 4, 1792.Congressional Biography He went to  Dartmouth College and the University of Vermont. Stevens was never married and had no children. He was in a relationship with his black housekeeper even when slavery was legal. He wore a wig because he was bald.

Political career
He wrote much of the financial legislation that paid for the American Civil War. Stevens and Senator Charles Sumner were the prime leaders of the Radical Republicans during the war and Reconstruction era. He worked and supported Abraham Lincoln's plan to end slavery and the U.S. reconstruction plan. He was part of Andrew Johnson's impeachment.

Death
Stevens died on August 11, 1868 in Washington, D.C. from a stomach infection, aged 76. He was buried in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Personal life
Stevens never married. However, there were rumors about his 20-year relationship (1848–1868) with his widowed housekeeper, Lydia Hamilton Smith (1813–1884). She was a light-skinned African-American; her husband Jacob and at least one of her sons were much darker than she was.Brodie, pp. 86–87

Culture
He was played by actor Tommy Lee Jones in Steven Spielberg's 2012 biography movie Lincoln.

References

Other websites

Stevens and Smith Historic Site
Thaddeus Stevens Society
Thaddeus Stevens's Legacy 

Category:1792 births
Category:1868 deaths
Category:Lawyers from Vermont
Category:American abolitionists
Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians
Category:United States representatives from Pennsylvania
Category:Politicians from Vermont
Category:Lawyers from Pennsylvania