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Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1782 - 1852

Biography

Daniel Webster was born on January 18, 1872 in Salisbury, New Hampshire. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1801, after which he began the study of law under Thomas W. Thompson and Christopher Gore. In 1805, he opens a law practice in Boscawen, New Hampshire where he stayed there until 1807. As a result of his opposition to the War of 1812, Webster is elected to the New Hampshire House of Representative in 1813 where he served until 1817. In 1816, he moves to Boston and is elected to the Massachusetts House of Representative (1823-1827) and the Senate (1827-1841 and 1845-1850). As a senator, he was a spokesman for American nationalism with powerful oratory that made him a key Whig leader. He spoke for conservatives and led the opposition to Democrat Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party, firmly challenging Jackson's policies in the Bank War. From 1841 to 1843 and 1850 to 1852, Webster served as the United States Secretary of State. As a diplomat, he is best known for negotiating the Webster–Ashburton Treaty of 1842 with Great Britain which established the Canada–United States border east of the Rocky Mountains. As a lawyer, Webster was highly regarded in the courtroom, shaping several key US Supreme Court cases that established important constitutional precedents and bolstered the authority of the federal government. One of the cases he argued was the Dartmouth College case in 1819. The case arose when the president of Dartmouth College was deposed by its trustees, leading to the New Hampshire legislature attempting to force the college to become a public institution and thereby place the ability to appoint trustees in the hands of the governor of New Hampshire. The Supreme Court upheld the sanctity of the original charter of the college, which pre-dated the creation of the State. The landmark case is considered one of the most important in United States history as it affirmed that the Constitution's contract clause protected private corporations from government interference. Webster died October 24, 1852.

Found in 2089 Collections and/or Records:

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 829222
Webster Mss 829222
Date(s): 1829-03-22
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 829230
Webster Mss 829230
Date(s): 1829-03-30
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 829155
Webster Mss 829155
Date(s): 1829-02-05
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 829155.1
Webster Mss 829155.1
Date(s): 1829-02-05
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 816609.1
Webster Mss 816609.1
Date(s): 1816-11-09
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 813679.1
Webster Mss 813679.1
Date(s): 1813-12-29
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Ezekiel Webster in Boscawen, New Hampshire informing him that he has learned of the Portsmouth fire and the loss of his house. Mrs. Webster will stay with the Masons until spring.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814130
Webster Mss 814130
Date(s): 1814-01-30
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Ezekiel Webster informing him that he is sending copies of his speech and his opinion on the proposed peace. Attached is a note to Mrs. Webster urging her to do a great deal of visiting.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814155.1
Webster Mss 814155.1
Date(s): 1814-02-05
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Ezekiel Webster informing him that he thinks the House will not take up the resolution this term. They must take up the loan bill. Gaston and Grosvenor are prepared to speak. Writer will send Mr. Gore's speech. Mr. King made a brilliant speech on the Maryland memorial.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814164
Webster Mss 814164
Date(s): 1814-02-14
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to an unidentified person, concerning money matter and affairs in Congress.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 813540
Webster Mss 813540
Date(s): 1813-09
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster to Noah Emery, asking Emery to furnish Ezekiel Webster copies of the case, Eastman vs. Taylor.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835523
Webster Mss 835523
Date(s): 1835-09-23
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835525
Webster Mss 835525
Date(s): 1835-09-25
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835553
Webster Mss 835553
Date(s): 1835-10-03
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835555.1
Webster Mss 835555.1
Date(s): 1835-10-05
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835555.2
Webster Mss 835555.2
Date(s): 1835-10-05
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836125
Webster Mss 836125
Date(s): 1836-01-25
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836130
Webster Mss 836130
Date(s): 1836-01-30
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836130.1
Webster Mss 836130.1
Date(s): 1836-01-30
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836140
Webster Mss 836140
Date(s): 1836-01
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836160
Webster Mss 836160
Date(s): 1836-02-10
Abstract

In English.

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