Lewis Cass

Cass, Lewis (1782–1866), U.S. soldier and political leader. He rose to the rank of brigadier general in the War of 1812, was governor of Michigan Territory (1813–31), and became secretary of war under Andrew Jackson. He ran as the Democratic presidential candidate in 1848 but lost to Zachary Taylor, due largely to the defection of the Barnburners (radical New York State Democrats) to the Free Soil Party. Twice serving in the Senate (1845–48, 1849–57), he also served as secretary of state (1857–60).