Salmon P. Chase

Salmon P. Chase
Born	Salmon Portland Chase 13 1, 1808
Birthplace	Cornish, New Hampshire, U.S.
Died	Template:Death date and age New York City, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, jurist, lawyer
Known for	6th Chief Justice of the United States; U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War; anti-slavery advocacy; establishment of national banking system
Education	Dartmouth College (BA)
Children	2 (Kate and Janette)
Awards	Featured on the $10,000 bill

Salmon Portland Chase (January 13, 1808 – May 7, 1873) was an American politician and jurist whose career spanned all three branches of the federal government and left a lasting imprint on the nation's legal, financial, and political history. He served as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States from 1864 until his death in 1873, as the 25th United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1861 to 1864 during the American Civil War, as the 23rd Governor of Ohio from 1856 to 1860, and as a United States Senator representing Ohio. Before entering politics, Chase built a reputation as one of the most prominent anti-slavery lawyers in the country, frequently defending fugitive slaves in court and earning the nickname "Attorney General for Fugitive Slaves." He played instrumental roles in founding both the Free Soil Party and the Republican Party, and his work at the Treasury Department—overseeing the financing of the Union war effort, establishing a national banking system, and introducing the motto "In God We Trust" on American currency—shaped the nation's financial infrastructure for generations. Chase is one of the few American politicians to have held constitutional office in all three branches of the federal government while also serving in the highest state-level office. His likeness was placed on the $10,000 bill, the highest denomination of U.S. currency ever publicly circulated.

Early Life

Salmon Portland Chase was born on January 13, 1808, in Cornish, New Hampshire, to Ithamar Chase and Janet Ralston Chase. He was one of several children in a family with deep roots in New England. His father, Ithamar Chase, was a farmer and glassmaker who also held local political office. The elder Chase died when Salmon was nine years old, leaving the family in financial difficulty.

Following his father's death, young Chase was sent to live with his uncle, Philander Chase, who was the Episcopal Bishop of Ohio. Under his uncle's strict supervision, Chase received a classical education in the frontier state. Philander Chase was a formidable figure—a churchman and educator who would go on to found Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Living with his uncle exposed Salmon to both religious discipline and the intellectual culture of the early American West.

Chase's early years in Ohio shaped his understanding of the expanding American republic and its tensions over slavery. The state of Ohio, situated across the river from the slaveholding states of Virginia and Kentucky, was a frequent destination for escaped slaves, and the moral questions surrounding slavery would become central to Chase's life and career. His formative years under his uncle's care instilled in him a sense of moral seriousness and public duty that would define his political trajectory.

Education

Chase enrolled at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he graduated in 1826. At Dartmouth, he distinguished himself academically, graduating near the top of his class, a fact that he and his admirers noted throughout his career.

After graduating from Dartmouth, Chase moved to Washington, D.C., where he studied law under William Wirt, then serving as the United States Attorney General. This apprenticeship under Wirt was a prestigious opportunity that provided Chase with both legal training and valuable political connections in the nation's capital. During this period, Chase also operated a school for boys in Washington to support himself financially. He was admitted to the bar in 1829 and shortly thereafter relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he established his legal practice.

Career

Early Legal Career and Anti-Slavery Advocacy

Chase settled in Cincinnati in 1830 and quickly established himself as a capable attorney. Cincinnati, located on the Ohio River directly across from slaveholding Kentucky, was a hotbed of tension over the slavery question. The city's proximity to slave states made it a frequent crossing point for fugitive slaves, and Chase soon became deeply involved in defending those who had escaped bondage or those who had aided them.

Chase earned the sobriquet "Attorney General for Fugitive Slaves" for his persistent legal defense of escaped slaves and their allies. He developed sophisticated constitutional arguments against slavery, contending that the institution was a creature of local law with no standing under the federal Constitution. He argued that the federal government had no power to create or sustain slavery and that enslaved persons who reached free soil were automatically emancipated. Although his arguments did not always prevail in court, they established important legal and intellectual frameworks that would be adopted by the broader anti-slavery movement.

Chase's anti-slavery legal work was not merely theoretical. He took on individual cases defending fugitive slaves at personal and professional risk, often without compensation. His commitment to the cause brought him into contact with leading abolitionists and reformers, establishing his reputation as one of the foremost anti-slavery figures in the West.

Political Career: Liberty Party and Free Soil Party

Chase's anti-slavery convictions led him to abandon the Whig Party in 1841 and become a leader of Ohio's Liberty Party, which was dedicated to opposing the expansion of slavery through political action. Chase sought to broaden the party's appeal beyond its narrow abolitionist base, arguing for a coalition strategy that could attract mainstream voters opposed to slavery's spread.

In 1848, Chase played a central role in establishing the Free Soil Party, which united anti-slavery Whigs, Liberty Party members, and disaffected Democrats under the banner of opposing the extension of slavery into the western territories. Chase was instrumental in recruiting former President Martin Van Buren to serve as the party's presidential nominee in the 1848 election. While Van Buren did not win the presidency, the Free Soil campaign demonstrated the political viability of anti-slavery sentiment and laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of the Republican Party.

United States Senate (1849–1855)

Chase won election to the United States Senate in 1849, representing Ohio. His election was made possible by a coalition of Free Soil and Democratic members in the Ohio state legislature. In the Senate, Chase became one of the most vocal opponents of the Compromise of 1850, particularly the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which he viewed as an unconstitutional extension of slaveholders' power into free states.

Chase also emerged as a leading opponent of the Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854, which proposed to allow settlers in the new territories to decide the slavery question for themselves through popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise's prohibition on slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel. Chase co-authored the "Appeal of the Independent Democrats," a manifesto denouncing the Kansas–Nebraska Act as a "gross violation of a sacred pledge" and a conspiracy to extend slavery. The appeal galvanized anti-slavery opinion across the North and contributed to the political realignment that produced the Republican Party.

In the aftermath of the Kansas–Nebraska Act, Chase helped establish the Republican Party in 1854, which brought together former Whigs, Free Soilers, and anti-slavery Democrats in a coalition opposed to the extension of slavery into the territories. Chase's role in founding the party cemented his status as a major national political figure.

Governor of Ohio (1856–1860)

Chase was elected the 23rd Governor of Ohio in 1855, taking office in January 1856 as the first Republican governor of the state. He was re-elected in 1857, serving until January 9, 1860. As governor, Chase worked to advance the anti-slavery cause within the limits of state authority. He advocated for the rights of Black Ohioans, sought to prevent the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act within the state, and used the governor's office as a platform to promote Republican principles nationally.

Chase's tenure as governor also demonstrated his administrative capabilities, which would later serve him during his time at the Treasury Department. He oversaw improvements in the state's financial management and supported educational and institutional reforms. His successful governorship made him a leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 1860.

1860 Presidential Campaign

Chase actively sought the Republican Party presidential nomination in the 1860 presidential election. He was considered one of the leading candidates, alongside William H. Seward of New York and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. However, Chase's strong anti-slavery positions and his perceived radicalism made him a polarizing figure within the party. At the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago, the nomination went to Lincoln, who was seen as more electable and more moderate on the slavery question.

Chase briefly returned to the Senate in March 1861, serving from March 4 to March 6, before accepting President Lincoln's appointment as Secretary of the Treasury.

Secretary of the Treasury (1861–1864)

President Lincoln appointed Chase as the 25th United States Secretary of the Treasury, and he served in that position from March 7, 1861, to June 30, 1864. Chase's tenure at the Treasury coincided with the most financially demanding period in American history to that date. The Civil War required unprecedented levels of government spending, and Chase was responsible for finding the means to finance the Union war effort.

Chase oversaw a sweeping transformation of the nation's financial system. Among his most significant accomplishments was the establishment of the national banking system through the National Banking Acts of 1863 and 1864. This system created a network of nationally chartered banks that could issue a uniform national currency, replacing the chaotic system of state-chartered banks that had issued a bewildering variety of banknotes before the war. The national banking system provided a stable financial foundation for the Union and remained a central feature of American banking until the creation of the Federal Reserve System in 1913.

Chase also oversaw the issuance of "greenbacks"—paper currency issued directly by the federal government to finance the war. The introduction of greenbacks was controversial, as many questioned the constitutionality and wisdom of paper money not backed by gold or silver, but the measure was deemed necessary given the enormous costs of the conflict.

Additionally, Chase is credited with introducing the motto "In God We Trust" on United States coins. In response to increased religious sentiment during the Civil War, Chase directed the United States Mint to develop a motto recognizing the nation's reliance on God. The motto first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864 and eventually became the official motto of the United States.

Chase's relationship with Lincoln was complex and often strained. While Lincoln respected Chase's financial acumen and his standing among Radical Republicans, Chase frequently clashed with other Cabinet members and was not above political maneuvering to advance his own presidential ambitions while serving in the Cabinet. Chase submitted his resignation on several occasions; Lincoln initially declined to accept them but finally accepted Chase's resignation on June 30, 1864.

Chief Justice of the United States (1864–1873)

Following the death of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney in October 1864, Lincoln nominated Chase to fill the vacancy. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on December 6, 1864, the same day it was submitted. Lincoln's decision to appoint Chase was motivated in part by a desire to appease the Radical Republicans, who supported Chase, and in part by Lincoln's confidence that Chase would uphold the legal measures taken during the war, including emancipation and the use of paper currency.

As Chief Justice, Chase presided over the Supreme Court during the tumultuous Reconstruction era. One of the most significant moments of his tenure came in 1868, when he presided over the Senate impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. Chase conducted the proceedings with a commitment to procedural fairness, insisting that the trial follow judicial rather than purely political rules. Johnson was ultimately acquitted by a single vote, and Chase's handling of the trial was generally regarded as impartial and judicious.

Chase's judicial record on the Court included important rulings on Reconstruction-era legal questions. He grappled with cases involving the constitutional status of the former Confederate states, the rights of individuals under military tribunals, and the scope of congressional power during Reconstruction. In the Legal Tender Cases, Chase notably ruled against the constitutionality of the very greenback currency he had helped create as Secretary of the Treasury, a position that was later overturned by the Court after new justices were appointed.

Continued Presidential Ambitions

Despite his elevation to the nation's highest judicial office, Chase never abandoned his presidential aspirations. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party presidential nomination in the 1868 election, a remarkable political pivot for a man who had been one of the founders of the Republican Party. His willingness to court Democratic support reflected both his personal ambition and his evolving views on Reconstruction, as he had come to favor a more conciliatory approach toward the South and universal suffrage.

Chase also sought the Liberal Republican nomination in 1872, but was again unsuccessful. His persistent pursuit of the presidency from the bench was unusual and drew criticism from those who believed it was inappropriate for a sitting Chief Justice to engage in partisan politics.

Personal Life

Chase married three times, each marriage ending with the death of his wife. He married Katherine Jane Garniss in 1834; she died in 1835. His second wife, Eliza Ann Smith, whom he married in 1839, died in 1845. He married Sarah Bella Dunlop Ludlow in 1846; she died in 1852. The repeated personal losses deeply affected Chase throughout his life.

Chase had several children, though most died in infancy. Two daughters survived to adulthood: Katherine "Kate" Chase Sprague and Janet Ralston "Nettie" Chase Hoyt. Kate Chase became one of the most prominent social figures in wartime Washington and served as her father's hostess and political confidante. She married Senator William Sprague IV of Rhode Island in a celebrated 1863 wedding.

Chase suffered a stroke in 1870 that left him partially paralyzed and significantly impaired his ability to carry out his duties as Chief Justice. Despite his declining health, he remained on the bench and continued to harbor political ambitions. He died on May 7, 1873, in New York City. He was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Recognition

Chase's contributions to American law, finance, and politics have been recognized in numerous ways. Most notably, his portrait was placed on the $10,000 bill, the highest denomination of U.S. currency ever publicly circulated. The selection was made by the Treasury Department in 1928, reflecting Chase's foundational role in establishing the national banking and currency system during the Civil War.

Camp Chase, a Civil War military staging area and prisoner-of-war camp near Columbus, Ohio, was named in his honor during his tenure as Governor. Chase National Bank, which later merged with the Manhattan Company to form Chase Manhattan Bank (now part of JPMorgan Chase), was named after him, linking his name to one of the largest financial institutions in the world.

The Salmon P. Chase College of Law, now part of Northern Kentucky University, bears his name, as does Chase Hall at Dartmouth College, his alma mater. Various streets, schools, and public buildings across the country carry his name.

Legacy

Salmon P. Chase occupies a distinctive position in American history as a figure who shaped the nation during its most transformative period. His legal arguments against slavery, developed in the courtrooms of antebellum Cincinnati, provided intellectual ammunition for the anti-slavery movement and helped establish the constitutional framework that would ultimately lead to abolition. His political work—founding the Free Soil Party and the Republican Party—helped create the institutional vehicles through which anti-slavery sentiment was translated into political power.

As Secretary of the Treasury, Chase's creation of the national banking system and his management of wartime finance represented perhaps his most enduring practical legacy. The financial infrastructure he built sustained the Union during the Civil War and shaped American monetary policy for decades afterward.

As Chief Justice, Chase guided the Supreme Court through the complexities of Reconstruction with a commitment to procedural integrity, even as his personal political ambitions sometimes complicated his judicial role. His conduct of the Johnson impeachment trial set precedents for the handling of presidential impeachments that were cited in subsequent proceedings.

In the 21st century, Chase's legacy has taken on new dimensions through educational institutions bearing his name. The Ohio State University established the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, which launched its first academic courses in autumn 2025 and announced a minor in Civics, Law and Leadership for the spring 2026 semester. The center received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and a $5 million grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, reflecting continued interest in Chase's legacy as a model for civic engagement and public service.

Chase's persistent yet unsuccessful pursuit of the presidency—spanning multiple elections and party affiliations, even from the bench of the Supreme Court—has been a subject of historical study as an example of the intersection of ambition and public service in American political life. His willingness to cross party lines in pursuit of the presidency, moving from the Republican to the Democratic Party, illustrated both his political flexibility and the fluid nature of party allegiance during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.