Justin Smith Morrill
Early Life and Education
Justin Smith Morrill was born on April 14, 1810, in Strafford, Vermont. He was the son of Nathaniel Morrill and Mary Hunt Morrill. His early life was marked by the rural and agrarian environment typical of early 19th-century Vermont. Morrill's education was limited to the local public schools, as his family could not afford higher education. Despite this, he was an avid reader and self-educated in various subjects, including economics, politics, and agriculture. His early exposure to farming and rural life would later influence his legislative priorities.
Business Career
Before entering politics, Morrill pursued a career in business. He worked as a store clerk in Strafford and later in Portland, Maine, where he gained valuable experience in commerce and trade. In 1831, Morrill returned to Strafford and partnered with Jedediah Harris to open a general store. The business was successful, allowing Morrill to accumulate wealth and establish himself as a prominent figure in his community. His business acumen and understanding of economic principles would later inform his legislative work, particularly in the areas of finance and taxation.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Morrill's political career began in 1854 when he was elected as a Whig to the United States House of Representatives. The Whig Party was in decline, and Morrill soon became a member of the newly formed Republican Party. His early legislative efforts focused on economic issues, including tariffs and trade policies. Morrill was a proponent of protective tariffs, which he believed would support American industry and agriculture.
Morrill Tariff
One of Morrill's significant legislative achievements was the Morrill Tariff, enacted in 1861. This tariff increased duties on imports to protect American industries from foreign competition and generate revenue for the federal government. The Morrill Tariff was a pivotal piece of legislation that helped finance the Union war effort during the American Civil War. It also marked a shift in American economic policy towards protectionism, a stance that would influence future trade policies.
Land-Grant College Act
Morrill is perhaps best known for the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, the first of which was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. This legislation allocated federal land to states, which could then sell the land to fund the establishment of colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts. The goal was to make higher education accessible to a broader segment of the population and to promote practical education in fields critical to the nation's development. The Morrill Act laid the foundation for the land-grant university system, which includes institutions such as Iowa State University and Michigan State University.
Later Legislative Work
Morrill continued to serve in Congress, moving to the Senate in 1867, where he remained until his death in 1898. Throughout his tenure, he focused on issues such as education, finance, and infrastructure development. Morrill was instrumental in the passage of the second Morrill Act in 1890, which expanded the land-grant college system to include historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This legislation aimed to address educational disparities and promote inclusivity in higher education.
Legacy and Impact
Justin Smith Morrill's legacy is primarily defined by his contributions to American education and economic policy. The land-grant college system he championed transformed higher education in the United States, making it more accessible and practical. This system has produced numerous innovations in agriculture, engineering, and technology, contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth.
Morrill's work in economic policy, particularly the Morrill Tariff, also had a lasting impact on American trade and industry. His advocacy for protective tariffs influenced future economic policies and debates on trade.
Personal Life
Morrill married Ruth Barrell Swan in 1851, and the couple had two children. He was known for his modest lifestyle and dedication to public service. Morrill's personal interests included horticulture and architecture, and he was involved in the design of his home in Strafford, which is now a National Historic Landmark.