Home > Horace Greeley

He was born in Amherst, New Hampshire, where he worked as a printer, then left for New York City, where he started the New York Tribune in 1841. He was editor of the Tribune for the rest of his life, using it as a platform for advocacy of his causes, though he was known for his inconsistencies. He at first supported the rights of the Southern states to secede from the Union but became an abolitionist and a supporter of the North in the Civil War. His passion for detail distinguished modern newspapers' fact-supported and statistic orientation from the more discursive editorial essays then current in newspaper writing.

He was a consistent supporter of Whig policies, 'improvements' protective tariffs, and the abolition of slavery. He served as Congressman for three months, from 1848 to 1849. He also ran unsuccessfully for election to the House of RepresentativesThe House of Representatives is the larger of two houses that make up the United States Congress, the other being the United States Senate. Members Members of the House are elected for a term of two years. Elections alternately coincide with the president in 1850Events January 4 The first American ice-skating club is formed ( Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). January 29 Henry Clay introduces the Compromise of 1850 to the United States Congress February 28 University of Utah opens in Salt Lake City, Utah March 7 United, 1868Events January 3 Meiji Emperor declares " Meiji Restoration", his own restoration to full power, against the supporters of the Tokugawa Shogunate. January 10 Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu declares emperor's declaration "illegal" and attacks Kyoto. Pro-Emperor, and 1870Events January 6 The inauguration of the Musikverein ( Vienna). January 10 John D. Rockefeller incorporates Standard Oil January 15 A political cartoon for the first time symbolizes the United States Democratic Party with a donkey ("A Live Jackass Kicking, and for the United States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the United States Congress, smaller than the U. House of Representatives. Together, they compose the legislative branch of the United States government. Seal of the Senate Each state elects two senators throu in 18611861 is a common year starting on Tuesday. Events January January 1 Benito Juarez captures Mexico City January 2 Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia dies and is succeeded by Wilhelm I January 3 American Civil War: Delaware votes not to secede from the United and 1863Events January-March January 1 Abraham Lincoln delivers the Emancipation Proclamation during the second year of the American Civil War. January 1 The first claim under the Homestead Act is made for a farm in Nebraska January 8 Ground is broken in Sacramen. His personal guarantee of bail for Jefferson DavisJefferson Davis ( June 3, 1808— December 6, 1889) was an American soldier and politician, most famous for serving as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America throughout the American Civil War. Early life and military career Jeffer did nothing to enhance his popularity: he was an unsuccessful candidate for President of the United States in 1872, running on both the Democratic and Liberal Republican tickets, advocating non-punitive treatment of the South, but was defeated soundly by President Ulysses S. Grant, and died before the electoral votes could be cast. He was an agrarian and supported liberal policies towards settlers: one of his famous phrases was "Go West, young man".

While Greeley had been pursuing his political career, Whitelaw Reid, owner of the New York Herald had gained control of the Tribune. Weeks later, Greeley, in his final illness, spotting Reid, cried out "You son of a bitch, you stole my newspaper", and died. Reid reported Greeley's last words as "I know my redeemer liveth".

Greeley died less than a month after his defeat by President Grant and is buried in New York's Green-Wood Cemetery.