A conservative Democrat, Marshall served as the 29th governor of Indiana from 1909 to 1913. Although Marshall ran for president in 1912, Wilson selected him to be his running mate in order to balance the ticket geographically and politically. Wilson and Marshall won the 1912 presidential election, and they were reelected in 1916.
As vice president, Marshall presided over the Senate and often served as acting president when Wilson was out of the country or otherwise unavailable. He was also a prominent speaker and campaigner for the Democratic Party. After leaving office in 1921, Marshall returned to Indiana, where he practiced law and served on the board of directors of several corporations. He died in Washington, D.C. in 1925.
Early Life and Career:
Thomas Riley Marshall was born on March 14, 1854, in North Manchester, Indiana. His father was a Methodist minister and his mother was a school teacher. Marshall graduated from Wabash College in 1873 and then studied law at the University of Michigan Law School, where he graduated in 1875.
After law school, Marshall returned to Indiana and began practicing law in Columbia City. He was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1879 and served until 1881. He was then elected to the Indiana State Senate, where he served from 1883 to 1887.
In 1889, Marshall was appointed United States Attorney for the District of Indiana by President Benjamin Harrison. He served in this position until 1893. After leaving office, Marshall returned to private practice and also became active in Democratic Party politics.
Governor of Indiana:
In 1908, Marshall was elected governor of Indiana. As governor, he focused on progressive policies, such as increasing funding for education and implementing worker's compensation laws. He also oversaw the construction of several public buildings, including the Indiana State House.
Vice Presidency:
In 1912, Marshall ran for president as a progressive candidate. However, he lost the Democratic nomination to Woodrow Wilson. Wilson then selected Marshall to be his running mate in order to balance the ticket geographically and politically. Wilson and Marshall won the 1912 presidential election, and they were reelected in 1916.
As vice president, Marshall presided over the Senate and often served as acting president when Wilson was out of the country or otherwise unavailable. He was also a prominent speaker and campaigner for the Democratic Party.
After leaving office in 1921, Marshall returned to Indiana, where he practiced law and served on the board of directors of several corporations. He died in Washington, D.C. in 1925.
Legacy:
Thomas Riley Marshall is remembered as a conservative Democrat who was committed to progressive policies. He was a popular and effective governor of Indiana, and he also served with distinction as vice president of the United States.