Samuel Dexter (Massachusetts politician)

Samuel Dexter (1761-1816) was a prominent American lawyer and politician from Massachusetts who served in various high-level positions in the early years of the United States government.

Born in Boston, Dexter graduated from Harvard College in 1781 and pursued a legal career. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled orator and lawyer, representing clients in numerous important cases.

Dexter entered politics in the 1790s as a Federalist. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives before being elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1793 to 1795. He was then elected to the United States Senate, serving from 1799 to 1800.

In 1800, President John Adams appointed Dexter as Secretary of War. He served in this role until 1801. Later that year, Adams appointed him Secretary of the Treasury, a position he held until Thomas Jefferson took office in March 1801.

After leaving the cabinet, Dexter returned to his legal practice in Boston. He remained active in Federalist politics and opposed the War of 1812. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Massachusetts in 1814.

Samuel Dexter was known for his intelligence, eloquence, and integrity. He played a significant role in the early development of the United States government and is remembered as a leading Federalist figure.