John Armor Bingham

Republican Representative of Ohio's 16th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 21, 1815 (85 years old)

Birthday

March 19, 1900

Death

Served as a U.S. Congressman and later as the United States Ambassador to Japan.
Played a significant role in the trial of the conspirators involved in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
Actively participated as a House manager in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.
Principal author of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.
Early life included a strong abolitionist influence from family members and a commitment to education, studying law after working as a printer.
Elected to multiple terms in Congress, initially as a member of the Whig Party and later as a Republican.
Known for his Radical Republican views during the Civil War and support for the Union.
Served as Judge Advocate of the Union Army, overseeing significant military trials.
As Ambassador to Japan, he worked to improve U.S.-Japan relations and advocated for Japan’s rights against unequal treaties imposed by Western powers.
His legacy includes being recognized as a key figure in the Reconstruction era and for his contributions to civil rights through the Fourteenth Amendment.