Edward Bates (1793 - 1869) was born in Goochland County, Virginia. He became a lawyer in his early 20s and entered politics a few years later. Like many prominent politicians in the 19th century, he joined various political parties throughout his career. Bates first joined the Democratic-Republican Party, then successively joined the National Republican Party, the Whig Party, the Know-Nothing Party and finally, the Republican Party. In 1860, he was a contender for the nomination for the Republican nomination and represented the most conservative fringe of the Party. Bates served as attorney general under Abraham Lincoln's presidency.
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