Mark Hanna was an American businessman and
Republican US Senator. He was the political manager of former US President William
McKinley. It was said that Hanna used his fortune and his business skills
to manage McKinley’s bid for the presidency in 1896 and 1900.
Hanna was born as Marcus Alonzo Hanna on
September 24, 1837 in New Lisbon, Ohio. His family was involved in mercantile
business. After his short service in the Army during the American Civil War, Hanna
married Charlotte Rhodes. His father-in-law, Daniel Rhodes, introduced Hanna
into his business, where he eventually became a partner. Hanna began to grow
his business interests, especially in iron and coal. He was a wealthy man at 40
years old.
During the 1850s through the 1860s, Cleveland
began to expand and grow from a small town by the lake into a major player in
the commerce and industries surrounding the Great Lakes. Hanna was prepared for
the economic surge. He was ready to venture into petroleum. He built refineries
and invested in a steamer.
In the 1884 and 1888 presidential elections,
Hanna supported Ohio Senator John Sherman for the Republican nomination.
Because Sherman was too old, Hanna worked for the nomination of McKinley. Hanna
left his business interests in 1895 to give his full support to McKinley’s
political aspirations. Hanna spent for McKinley’s campaign, as he battled
against Nebraska Congressman William Jennings Bryan of the Democrats.
When McKinley won the presidency, Hanna was
offered a cabinet position. Instead, he sought the position of Ohio senator
after Sherman was named Secretary of State. Hanna was re-elected as Ohio
Senator by the General Assembly in 1898 and 1904.
McKinley was assassinated in 1901. After his
death Hanna pushed for the construction of the Panama Canal. Hanna died in
1904. He left a legacy in business and politics, especially his association
with McKinley.
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