Thomas Riley Marshall Essay, Research Paper

Thomas Riley Marshall was born in North Ranchester, Indiana on March 14, 1854. He graduated from Wabash College in 1873 where he studied law. Afterwards he was admitted to the Indiana bar in 1875, practicing his profession in Columbia City. His father was a physician. He was also a popular public speaker and active in local Democratic politics.

Marshall was a small town lawyer when he received the nomination for governor in 1908, a compromise darkhorse candidate. His political party for governor was Democratic and he was also very progressive. He was a popular governor, although his attempts to have the state adopt a new constitution failed. He stayed governor until 1913.

At the democratic national convention in Baltimore in 1912, Marshall was the favorite-son candidate of Indiana for the presidency. When Woodrow Wilson was nominated for president, Marshall was chosen for the vice presidency. Wilson was reelected in 1916; Marshall served with him until 1921. Marshall also served as presiding officer of the senate.

Thomas Marshall was the twenty-eighth vice president of the United States. He was the vice president for eight years under Woodrow Wilson. During his terms as vice president, he was well known for his wit. He achieved fame for his remark, “What this country needs is a really good five cent cigar.” He said this aside while in a senate debate in 1917.

Slight of stature and impeccably groomed, Marshall continued as a popular orator even after retiring from the vice presidency. His autobiography is an entertaining record of his career. The book contains more in depth coverage of his vice presidency.

During Wilson’s serious illness, beginning in late 1919, Marshall considered declaring himself as acting president. He didn’t though because he feared that his action could divide the country. Marshall died in Washington D.C. on June 1, 1925.