Albert J. Beveridge

Albert Jeremiah Beveridge (October 6, 1862 – April 27, 1927) was an American historian and United States senator from Indiana. He was an intellectual leader of the Progressive Era and a biographer of Chief Justice John Marshall and President Abraham Lincoln.

Early and personal life, education, and employment

Beveridge was born in Highland County, Ohio, near Sugar Tree Ridge; his parents moved to Indiana soon after his birth. Both of his parents, Thomas H. and Frances Parkinson, were of English descent. His childhood was one of hard work and labor. Beveridge graduated from Sullivan Township High School in 1881. Securing an education with difficulty, he eventually became a law clerk in Indianapolis. Beveridge graduated from Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) in 1885, with a Ph.B. degree. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was known as a compelling orator, delivering speeches supporting territorial expansion by the US and increasing the power of the federal government.

In 1887, he was admitted to the Indiana bar, practiced law in Indianapolis, and married Katherine Langsdale. After Langsdale's death in 1900, Beveridge married Catherine Eddy in 1907. They had two children.

Beveridge was a Freemason and a member of Oriental Lodge No. 500 in Indianapolis.

Political career

Beveridge entered politics in 1884 by speaking on behalf of presidential candidate James G. Blaine and was prominent in later campaigns, particularly in 1896, when his speeches attracted general attention. In 1899, Beveridge was appointed to the U.S. Senate as a Republican and served until 1911. He supported Theodore Roosevelt's progressive views and was the keynote speaker at the new Progressive Party convention which nominated Roosevelt for U.S. President in 1912.