December Birthdays

Edwin Stanton, born December 19, 1814
Edwin McMasters Stanton was born in Steubenville, Ohio, the first child of David and Lucy Norman Stanton. His father was from a Quaker family, but was obliged to leave the Society of Friends when he married Lucy, who was a Methodist.  Lucy Norman was the daughter of a wealthy Virginia planter and miller.  Edwin's middle name was in honor of a Methodist minister, Reverend David McMasters, who was Lucy's godfather.  He was 46 years old when the Civil War began.