William L. Dayton

William Lewis Dayton (February 17, 1807 – December 1, 1864) was an American politician, attorney, and diplomat who served as a United States Senator from New Jersey. He was the Whig Party's vice presidential nominee in the 1856 presidential election and later served as the United States Ambassador to France during the critical years leading up to and during the American Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Born in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Dayton graduated from Princeton University in 1825. He then pursued a career in law, establishing a practice in Trenton, New Jersey.

Political Career

Dayton's political career began in the New Jersey Assembly, where he served from 1837 to 1839. He gained significant recognition and was elected as a Whig to the U.S. Senate in 1842, succeeding Samuel L. Southard. During his tenure in the Senate, Dayton supported various infrastructure projects and was known for his stance against the expansion of slavery, aligning with the emerging Republican Party ideologies towards the end of his political career.

In 1856, Dayton was selected as the first-ever vice-presidential candidate for the newly formed Republican Party, running alongside John C. Frémont. The ticket, however, was unsuccessful, losing to James Buchanan.

Diplomatic Career

In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Dayton as the Ambassador to France. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in preventing French recognition of the Confederate States of America, which was pivotal in the Union's diplomatic efforts during the Civil War.

Death and Legacy

Dayton died while serving in Paris in 1864. His contributions to both American politics and diplomacy are remembered as integral to the preservation of the Union and the prevention of European intervention in the Civil War.

See Also

• List of United States Senators from New Jersey
• 1856 United States presidential election
• American Civil War diplomacy and foreign relations