Arthur Sewall

Arthur Sewall (November 25, 1835 – September 5, 1900) was an American shipbuilder, businessman, and politician who is best known for being the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 1896 presidential election. Sewall's candidacy was part of a ticket with William Jennings Bryan, which ultimately lost to William McKinley and Garret Hobart.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Sewall was born in Bath, Maine, a prominent shipbuilding town. He was educated in the local schools of Bath and began his career in his family's shipbuilding business, Sewall & Co., which was established by his grandfather. This early exposure to shipbuilding would shape his future career and contributions to the industry.

Career

Sewall expanded the family business, eventually becoming one of the most prominent shipbuilders in the United States. Under his leadership, the company specialized in the construction of large, steel-hulled ships, transitioning from the earlier wooden ships that had been the industry standard. His business acumen extended beyond shipbuilding; he was also involved in the railroad industry and banking, serving as the president of the Bath National Bank.

Political Career

Arthur Sewall's political career was closely tied to his business interests. He was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, advocating for policies that favored the silver standard and opposed the gold-only standard, which was a major issue of the time. His views aligned closely with those of William Jennings Bryan, who was known for his "Cross of Gold" speech that criticized the gold standard.

In 1896, Sewall was nominated as the vice presidential candidate alongside Bryan. The choice of Sewall was seen as a strategic move to balance the ticket with a businessman from the Northeast, complementing Bryan's populist and agrarian appeal in the Midwest and South. However, the campaign faced strong opposition from the pro-gold standard factions and the industrial and financial sectors.

Personal Life and Legacy

Arthur Sewall was married to Emma Duncan Crooker, and they had several children. His personal life was marked by his deep involvement in his community and his church.

Sewall's legacy is somewhat mixed. While he was not successful in his bid for the vice presidency, his involvement in the 1896 election highlighted the deep economic and regional divisions within the United States at the time. Additionally, his contributions to the shipbuilding industry were significant, particularly in the transition to steel-hulled ships, which marked a new era in maritime history.

Arthur Sewall died on September 5, 1900, in Bath, Maine. His contributions to both his local community and the broader American economic landscape are remembered in various historical accounts of the late 19th century.

See Also

• History of the United States (1865–1918)
• Democratic Party (United States) history
• Economic history of the United States