Levin, Lewis Charles

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LEVIN, LEWIS CHARLES

LEVIN, LEWIS CHARLES (1808–1860), U.S. lawyer, editor, and congressman. Levin, who was born in Charleston, South Carolina, attended South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina). After studying law, he settled in Philadelphia in 1838 where he was admitted to the bar. There, he achieved prominence as a temperance speaker and editor of the Temperance Advocate. He was a founder of the Native American (later "Know-Nothing") Party in 1843 and edited and published its official organ, the Daily Sun, in Philadelphia. Elected as a candidate of the Native American Party to the 29th, 30th, and 31st Congresses (March 4, 1845–March 3, 1851), Levin championed a high tariff, expansionism, public works, including a dry dock at Philadelphia, and "Know-Nothing" legislation. After being defeated for reelection in 1850, he resumed his law practice.

bibliography:

J.A. Forman, in: aja, 12 (1960), 150–94.

[Perry Goldman]

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