Jefferson in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Joshua R. Giddings Law Office
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
1. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Marker
This building served as the law office to Joshua Reed Giddings, a Whig congressman who advocated for the abolition of slavery and an end to the domestic slave trade. Born in 1795, much of Giddings' young life was occupied by working on his father's farm. After serving in the War of 1812, he began to study law, gaining admittance to the bar in 1821. A successful lawyer, Giddings was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1826. In 1837, he was elected as a Whig to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he quickly established himself as a staunch opponent of slavery. In 1854, he joined the Republican Party, contributing greatly to the platform during the party's conventions of 1856 and 1860. As reward for his dedication, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him as consul- general to Canada, where he served until his death in 1864.
An excerpt from Congressman Joshua R. Giddings' farewell speech to the House of Representatives in 1859: "[...] And I beg to assure you, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, that whether in public or in private life, in prosperity or in adversity, whether living or dying, my heart's desire and prayer to God shall be that every human soul may enjoy that liberty which is necessary to protect and cherish life, attain knowledge, and prepare for heaven. And when I shall have passed away, let my
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Erected 2016 by Ashtabula County Historical Society, The Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 13-4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location. 41° 44.291′ N, 80° 45.786′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Ohio, in Ashtabula County. Marker is on East Jefferson Avenue, 0.1 miles east of Market Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jefferson OH 44047, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ashtabula County Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jefferson Village & Township World War II Honor Roll (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ashtabula County Korea War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Owen Brown, Son of John Brown (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bicentennial of the United States of America (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ashtabula County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away);
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
2. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Marker Reverse
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
3. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Marker
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
4. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Marker Reverse
Photographed By Matthew Brady's studio, circa 1864
5. Joshua R. Giddings
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
6. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office National Historic Landmark Marker
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 18, 2018
7. Joshua R. Giddings Law Office Marker
Marker is severely cracked through center
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on September 17, 2023, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 18, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 7. submitted on August 19, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the newly (2023) repaired marker. • Can you help?
