The New Student's Reference Work/Cass, Lewis

Cass, Lewis, an American politician, was born at Exeter, N. H., Oct 9, 1782.  His family went west, and Cass studied law at Marietta, Ohio.  He now entered politics is a Democrat, and played an important part in the War of 1812; was governor of Michigan and superintendent of Indian affairs for 18 years, during which time he negotiated 22 treaties with Indians and did much to open the northwest territory; he also explored the upper lakes and the headwaters of the Mississippi.  Cass was secretary of war, for a long time United States senator from Michigan, minister to France and candidate for president against Taylor.  In 1860 Cass differed from President Buchanan in his southern policy, and resigned his position as secretary of state, closing a public career of 54 years.  He was a man of much ability, a fine scholar and an effective speaker.  He was the author of several works.  He died at Detroit, Mich., June 17, 1866.