Dictionary.net

(1797-1882), one of the most influential journalists and politicians that the country has ever produced. He was early employed in a printing establishment and as a country journalist. He became connected with the Rochester Telegraph and with the Anti-Masonic Enquirer. In 1825 he was in the New York Legislature, but afterward avoided office. Already influential in State and national politics, Weed, in 1830, founded the Albany Evening Journal, which he conducted until 1856 as a Whig, and later as a Republican organ. His influence was felt in nearly every nomination of the Whigs and Republicans from 1836 to 1876. For years he was a political partner of Seward, whom he favored for President in 1860. During the Civil War he was in Europe acting as an agent in behalf of the Union cause. Life by Barnes.