Dictionary.net

(1800-1878), an American statesman, was a lawyer and Whig politician in Ohio; he had been in the State Senate and served as State Judge before his entrance into the U. S. Senate. His term in that body covers the long period of 1851-1869. He rapidly became known as one of the most outspoken anti-slavery and later Republican leaders. He strongly opposed the Kansas-Nebraska measure, and during the Rebellion he was chairnan of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War. Senator Wade opposed President Lincoln to some degree on the Reconstruction problem, and was naturally in the opposition to President Johnson. He was chairnan of the Committee on Territories, and was chosen President pro tem. of the Senate in 1867. President Grant appointed him to the San Domingo commission in 1871. Wade was a leading candidate for the vice-presidency in 1868, and chairman of the Ohio delegation in the convention that nominated Hayes.