Edward Everett, English-American educator and politician, 15th Governor of Massachusetts (d. 1865)

Edward Everett, born on April 11, 1794, and passing on January 15, 1865, embodied the ideal of a versatile public servant in 19th-century America. Hailing from Massachusetts, his remarkable career spanned an impressive array of roles: a distinguished politician, a Unitarian pastor, a dedicated educator, a shrewd diplomat, and, perhaps most famously, a captivating orator. His life story reflects the intellectual and political currents of a nation grappling with its identity, expansion, and eventually, a devastating civil war.

A Life of Service and Statesmanship

Everett's political journey was primarily undertaken under the banner of the Whig Party, a significant force in American politics during the antebellum era, advocating for national economic development and a strong federal government. Within this framework, he ascended to numerous prominent positions. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the U.S. Senate, representing the interests of Massachusetts on the national stage. Locally, he held the esteemed office of the 15th Governor of Massachusetts. His diplomatic talents were recognized with his appointment as Minister to Great Britain, a critical post for maintaining Anglo-American relations. Furthermore, he briefly held the prestigious cabinet position of United States Secretary of State. Beyond the political arena, Everett’s commitment to education was evident through his tenure as a professor at Harvard University, an institution he would later lead as its president.

The Golden Voice of Antebellum America

Edward Everett is widely celebrated as one of the preeminent American orators of the antebellum period and the Civil War era. His speeches, characterized by their classical eloquence, meticulous detail, and extensive historical and literary allusions, captivated audiences across the nation. However, he is perhaps most vividly remembered for his role at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in November 1863. On that somber occasion, Everett, as the featured orator, delivered a profound and lengthy address, recounting the battle's strategic importance and its human cost. His speech spanned over two hours, a monumental effort of rhetoric and historical narrative. This extensive delivery stood in stark contrast to the brief, yet immensely powerful, two-minute address that immediately followed it, given by President Abraham Lincoln – now universally known as the Gettysburg Address. The juxtaposition of Everett’s classical oratory with Lincoln’s succinct eloquence has become a memorable moment in American history, highlighting different but equally significant styles of public communication.

From Clergy to Academia: Early Influences

The son of a pastor, Everett's early life laid a strong foundation for his intellectual pursuits. He received his education at the venerable Harvard University, a testament to his academic aptitude. Following his graduation, he briefly served as a minister at Boston's historic Brattle Street Church, a common path for intellectually gifted young men of his time. However, academia soon beckoned. He accepted a teaching position at Harvard, a role that came with an invaluable opportunity for preparatory studies in Europe. This period abroad was profoundly formative; Everett spent two intensive years immersed in studies at the renowned University of Göttingen in Germany, a leading center of scholarship in the early 19th century, particularly in philology and classical studies. He dedicated another two years to extensive travel across Europe, broadening his horizons and deepening his understanding of history, culture, and international relations. Upon his return, he taught ancient Greek literature at Harvard for several years, sharing his extensive knowledge before ultimately transitioning into the bustling world of politics. It was during this period that he also began to cultivate the extensive and popular speaking career that would define much of his public persona.

Public Service and Pioneering Reforms

Everett's transition into politics was a natural progression for a man of his intellectual caliber and public speaking prowess. He served with distinction in the United States Congress for ten years, honing his legislative skills and national profile. In 1835, he successfully ran for and was elected Governor of Massachusetts. During his tenure as governor, Everett spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative: the establishment of the state Board of Education. This visionary creation was the first of its kind in the nation, laying the groundwork for standardized public education and becoming a model for other states to follow. His intellectual contributions were also recognized by his peers; in 1831, he was elected as a member of the prestigious American Philosophical Society, an organization founded by Benjamin Franklin dedicated to the advancement of useful knowledge.

Later Career: Diplomacy, Harvard Presidency, and Cabinet Role

After a narrow defeat in the 1839 gubernatorial election, Everett’s talents found a new outlet in diplomacy. He was appointed Minister to Great Britain, a crucial diplomatic post in an era when Anglo-American relations were frequently complex. He served in London until 1845, skillfully navigating international affairs. Following his diplomatic service, he returned to Harvard, taking on the demanding role of its president. However, this administrative position, with its myriad responsibilities and internal politics, proved less fulfilling than his previous academic and political endeavors, and he quickly grew to dislike it, finding it a poor fit for his oratorical and public policy strengths. In 1849, a new opportunity arose when he became an assistant to his long-time friend and esteemed colleague, Daniel Webster, who was then serving as Secretary of State. Upon Webster's death, Everett briefly stepped into the formidable role of Secretary of State for a few months, demonstrating his readiness for high office before being sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, continuing his public service in the nation's capital.

A Staunch Defender of the Union

In the twilight years of his distinguished life, Edward Everett continued his active public engagement, traveling extensively and delivering speeches across the country. As the nation teetered on the brink of civil war, he emerged as a powerful advocate for the preservation of the Union. His dedication to unity led him to run for Vice President in 1860 on the Constitutional Union Party ticket. This party represented a last-ditch effort to find common ground between North and South, advocating for adherence to the Constitution and existing laws to avoid secession, rather than taking a stance on the contentious issue of slavery. Despite the party's ultimate failure to prevent the conflict, Everett remained steadfast in his commitment. Throughout the Civil War, he was actively involved in supporting the Union effort, using his considerable influence and oratorical skills to rally public sentiment. His unwavering patriotism culminated in his endorsement of Abraham Lincoln in the pivotal 1864 presidential election, signaling a powerful unity across party lines for the sake of the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Everett

What is Edward Everett most remembered for?

Edward Everett is most famously remembered for his lengthy oration at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in November 1863, which immediately preceded President Abraham Lincoln's much shorter, yet iconic, Gettysburg Address. His speech, rich in historical detail and classical rhetoric, stood in stark contrast to Lincoln's concise remarks.

What significant educational reform did Everett implement during his governorship?

As Governor of Massachusetts, Edward Everett was instrumental in establishing the state Board of Education. This groundbreaking initiative was the first of its kind in the United States, creating a model for organized and standardized public education that many other states would eventually adopt.

What was Edward Everett's connection to Harvard University?

Everett had a profound and multifaceted connection to Harvard University. He was educated there, later served as a professor teaching ancient Greek literature, and eventually became its president. His early European studies, facilitated by Harvard, also significantly shaped his intellectual and diplomatic perspectives.

Why did Edward Everett run for Vice President in 1860?

In 1860, Edward Everett ran for Vice President alongside presidential candidate John Bell on the Constitutional Union Party ticket. This party's primary platform was to uphold the Constitution, enforce existing laws, and preserve the Union, seeking a compromise to avert the impending Civil War rather than taking a stance on slavery or secession.

What was Everett's stance during the Civil War?

Edward Everett was a staunch supporter of the Union throughout the Civil War. Despite his earlier efforts to prevent the conflict through compromise, once war broke out, he actively campaigned and spoke in favor of the Union cause and ultimately endorsed Abraham Lincoln's reelection in 1864, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to national unity.