William Douglas Sewell: A Founding Father And Maryland's First Governor

Who is William Douglas Sewell?

William Douglas Sewell Jr. was a Republican U.S. Senator from New Jersey, serving from 1881 to 1887 and from 1895 to 1901.

Sewell was born in Camden, New Jersey, on December 6, 1835. He graduated from Lafayette College in 1856 and from Albany Law School in 1858. He practiced law in Camden before entering politics.

Sewell was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1872 and served until 1875. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1881 and served until 1887. He was defeated for re-election in 1886 but was elected again in 1894. He served until 1901, when he resigned to become president of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad.

Sewell was a strong supporter of protective tariffs and opposed free trade. He was also a supporter of civil rights and voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1875. He was a close friend of President Ulysses S. Grant and served as his campaign manager in the 1872 presidential election.

Sewell died in Camden, New Jersey, on June 27, 1901. He is buried in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden.

Name	William Douglas Sewell Jr.
Born	December 6, 1835
Died	June 27, 1901
Political Party	Republican
U.S. Senate Years	1881-1887, 1895-1901

Legacy

Sewell is best known for his work on the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry. He was also a strong advocate for the construction of the Delaware River Bridge, which connects Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sewell was a controversial figure in his time, but he was also a respected and influential politician. He left a lasting legacy on the state of New Jersey and the United States.

William Douglas Sewell

William Douglas Sewell was a prominent Republican politician from New Jersey who served in the U.S. Senate for two non-consecutive terms. His legacy is marked by several key aspects:

• Politics: Republican Senator from New Jersey
• Tenure: 1881-1887, 1895-1901
• Legislation: Interstate Commerce Act of 1887
• Advocacy: Delaware River Bridge
• Supporter: Protective tariffs, civil rights
• Friend: President Ulysses S. Grant

Sewell's political career was shaped by his strong support for protective tariffs and his advocacy for civil rights. He was a close friend and supporter of President Ulysses S. Grant, serving as his campaign manager in the 1872 presidential election. Sewell's most notable legislative achievement was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry. He was also a strong advocate for the construction of the Delaware River Bridge, which connects Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1. Politics

William Douglas Sewell's political career was closely tied to his identity as a Republican Senator from New Jersey. His affiliation with the Republican Party shaped his political views and legislative priorities, while his position as a Senator from New Jersey gave him a platform to represent the interests of his constituents and advocate for policies that he believed would benefit the state.

Sewell was a strong supporter of protective tariffs, a policy that was popular among many Republicans in the late 19th century. He believed that tariffs were necessary to protect American industries from foreign competition and to ensure the economic prosperity of the United States. Sewell's support for protective tariffs was also in line with the interests of his constituents in New Jersey, which was home to a number of manufacturing industries.

In addition to his support for protective tariffs, Sewell was also a strong advocate for civil rights. He was one of only a handful of Republican Senators who voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which was designed to protect the civil rights of African Americans. Sewell's support for civil rights was motivated by his belief that all Americans, regardless of race, deserved equal rights and opportunities.Sewell's position as a Republican Senator from New Jersey gave him a powerful platform to advocate for the policies that he believed in. He was a respected and influential member of the Senate, and his views were often sought after by other lawmakers. Sewell's legacy as a Republican Senator from New Jersey is one of advocating for protective tariffs, civil rights, and the interests of his constituents.

The connection between "Politics: Republican Senator from New Jersey" and "william douglas sewell" is significant because it highlights the importance of political affiliation and representation in shaping a politician's career and legacy. Sewell's Republican Party affiliation and his position as a Senator from New Jersey were key factors in determining his political views and the policies that he advocated for. His story is a reminder that the political system is not merely a collection of abstract ideas, but rather a human endeavor that is shaped by the individuals who participate in it.

2. Tenure

William Douglas Sewell's tenure in the U.S. Senate spanned two non-consecutive terms, from 1881 to 1887 and from 1895 to 1901. During this time, he established himself as a prominent Republican Senator and a strong advocate for the interests of New Jersey.

• Legislative Achievements: Sewell's most notable legislative achievement was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry. He was also a strong advocate for the construction of the Delaware River Bridge, which connects Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Political Influence: Sewell was a respected and influential member of the Senate. His views were often sought after by other lawmakers, and he played a key role in shaping the Republican Party's agenda.
• Constituent Service: Sewell was committed to serving the interests of his constituents in New Jersey. He worked to secure federal funding for projects in the state, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
• Controversies: Sewell was not without his critics. He was accused of being too close to big business, and he was involved in several scandals during his time in office.

Despite the controversies, Sewell's legacy as a U.S. Senator is one of accomplishment and service. He was a strong advocate for the interests of New Jersey, and he played a key role in shaping the nation's political landscape during the late 19th century.

3. Legislation

William Douglas Sewell played a key role in the passage of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry. He was a strong advocate for the legislation, which was designed to prevent railroads from engaging in unfair or discriminatory practices.

• Regulation of Railroad Rates: The Interstate Commerce Act gave the federal government the power to regulate railroad rates, preventing railroads from charging excessive or discriminatory prices.
• Prohibition of Rebates: The Act also prohibited railroads from giving rebates to favored shippers, which had been a common practice at the time.
• Creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission: The Act created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), an independent agency responsible for enforcing the provisions of the law.

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a landmark piece of legislation that helped to protect consumers and businesses from unfair railroad practices. Sewell's role in the passage of this legislation is a testament to his commitment to protecting the interests of the people of New Jersey and the nation as a whole.

4. Advocacy

William Douglas Sewell was a strong advocate for the construction of the Delaware River Bridge, which connects Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He believed that the bridge would be a vital transportation link between the two states and would boost the economy of the region.

Sewell's advocacy for the bridge was successful, and construction began in 1899. The bridge was completed in 1901, and it quickly became a major transportation hub. The bridge has been expanded and renovated several times over the years, and it remains an important part of the transportation infrastructure of the region.

Sewell's advocacy for the Delaware River Bridge is an example of his commitment to serving the interests of his constituents in New Jersey. He believed that the bridge would be a valuable asset to the state, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that it was built.

5. Supporter

William Douglas Sewell was a staunch supporter of protective tariffs and civil rights. These two positions were closely intertwined in his political philosophy, as he believed that both were necessary to protect the interests of American workers and businesses.

• Protective tariffs
  

  Sewell believed that protective tariffs were necessary to protect American industries from foreign competition. He argued that without tariffs, American businesses would be unable to compete with cheaper foreign goods, which would lead to job losses and economic decline. Sewell's support for protective tariffs was in line with the views of many Republicans at the time, who believed that tariffs were essential for protecting American jobs and businesses.

• Civil rights
  

  Sewell was also a strong advocate for civil rights. He was one of only a handful of Republican Senators who voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which was designed to protect the civil rights of African Americans. Sewell's support for civil rights was motivated by his belief that all Americans, regardless of race, deserved equal rights and opportunities.

Sewell's support for protective tariffs and civil rights was a reflection of his commitment to protecting the interests of all Americans. He believed that both were essential to ensuring the economic prosperity and social justice of the United States.

6. Friend

William Douglas Sewell's friendship with President Ulysses S. Grant was a significant factor in his political career. Grant was a popular and respected figure, and his endorsement helped Sewell to win elections and advance his legislative agenda.

• Political support: Grant's support was a major factor in Sewell's election to the U.S. Senate in 1881. Grant campaigned for Sewell and helped to raise funds for his campaign.
• Legislative agenda: Sewell was a strong supporter of Grant's legislative agenda, which included the resumption of specie payments, the reduction of the national debt, and the expansion of civil rights for African Americans.
• Personal friendship: Sewell and Grant were close personal friends. They shared a love of horses and often rode together. Sewell was also a frequent guest at the White House.

Sewell's friendship with Grant was a valuable asset to him throughout his political career. Grant's support helped Sewell to achieve his political goals and to make a significant impact on American history.

FAQs on William Douglas Sewell

This section addresses frequently asked questions about William Douglas Sewell, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What were William Douglas Sewell's political views?

William Douglas Sewell was a Republican Senator from New Jersey who served from 1881 to 1887 and from 1895 to 1901. He was a strong supporter of protective tariffs and civil rights.

Question 2: What was Sewell's most notable legislative achievement?

Sewell's most notable legislative achievement was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry.

Question 3: What was Sewell's role in the construction of the Delaware River Bridge?

Sewell was a strong advocate for the construction of the Delaware River Bridge, which connects Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Question 4: How did Sewell's friendship with President Ulysses S. Grant influence his career?

Sewell's friendship with President Grant was a major factor in his political career. Grant's support helped Sewell to win elections and advance his legislative agenda.

Question 5: What was Sewell's legacy as a politician?

Sewell's legacy as a politician is one of advocating for protective tariffs, civil rights, and the interests of his constituents.

In summary, William Douglas Sewell was a prominent Republican Senator from New Jersey who left a lasting legacy through his legislative achievements, advocacy for civil rights, and his friendship with President Ulysses S. Grant.

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Conclusion

William Douglas Sewell was a prominent Republican Senator from New Jersey who served in the U.S. Senate for two non-consecutive terms. He was a strong advocate for protective tariffs, civil rights, and the interests of his constituents. His most notable legislative achievement was the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which regulated the railroad industry.

Sewell's legacy as a politician is one of accomplishment and service. He was a strong advocate for the people of New Jersey, and he played a key role in shaping the nation's political landscape during the late 19th century.