Description
Henry Wilson worked as a shoemaker prior to his election in 1855 as a senator from Massachusetts. During the Civil War, he opposed slavery and devoted his energies to the destruction of the ‟Slave Power,” those slave owners and their political allies that anti-slavery Americans saw as dominating the country. Wilson chaired the Committee on Military Affairs, overseeing the 15,000 War and Navy Department nominations Lincoln submitted during the war. He personally recruited the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which he briefly commanded. Days after the ratification of the 13th Amendment, Wilson introduced a bill to protect the civil rights of African Americans. He practiced principled politics, supporting the abolition of slavery and the rights of workers, both white and black.
The United States Senate and House of Representatives comprise the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Each state has two senators regardless of the state’s population. U.S. senators serve staggered terms of six years. Prior to 1913, senators were appointed by their state legislatures. This changed with the 17th Amendment, which mandated senators be elected by popular vote. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties and to confirm cabinet secretaries, federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and other federal executive officials.
Henry Wilson was a member of the U.S. Senate prior to his election as vice president. Many of the men who become president and vice president first served in Congress as members of the House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate. A number of these individuals first served in their state government as governor, state senator or in their state House of Representatives.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
