William Crowninshield Endicott
William Crowninshield Endicott was a distinguished lawyer, judge, and U.S. Secretary of War, known for his leadership in both legal and public service roles, including his contributions to the U.S. Army and his involvement in various civic and academic institutions.
William Crowninshield Endicott
Birth: November 19, 1826.
Death: May 6, 1900.
Parents:
- Father: William Putnam Endicott.
- Mother: Mary Crowninshield Endicott.
Burial Location: Harmony Grove Cemetery Highland Avenue, Lot 1554, Grave #6.
William Crowninshield Endicott, a descendant of Governor John Endicott, went to school in Salem and then graduated from Harvard College in 1847 and then studied law at Harvard Law School 1849-1850. He also studied law with Nathaniel J. Lord, and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1850. He then formed a law firm (Perry & Endicott) with Jairus W. Perry. He was a member of the Salem Common Council 1852-53 and in 1847. He became City Solicitor in 1857. He was President of the Salem Bank from 1857 until 1873.
In 1859, he married Mary Crowninshield Peabody, daughter of Joseph Peabody. The couple had two children: William Crowninshield Endicott, Jr. born in 1860, and Mary Crowninshield Endicott Chamberlain Carnegie, born in 1864.
In 1873, Endicott was appointed as a judge on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, where he served until 1882. In 1885, he was appointed by President Grover Cleveland as the 36th US Secretary of War. In this position, he oversaw changes in the US Army. He recommended that the powers of the War and Treasury Departments be defined by a legislative act to prevent conflicts over disbursements. After leaving the cabinet, he served as an overseer at Harvard College (1875-1885), president of the Harvard Alumni Association (1888-1890) and president of the Peabody Academy of Science until his death at age 73.
Never elected to public office, he was a loyal Democrat from his youth until his death. It was said of him that he seemed to be born a judge. His knowledge of men and of their business affairs rendered the transaction of business in his court both smooth and expeditious. His reputation was that of a successful and sound lawyer, of a dignified and efficient judge, of a wise and faithful public servant and of a refined and courteous gentleman.
Photo: Wikipedia.
Sources Consulted:
- Find a Grave.
- Mass.gov
- Wikipedia.
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