(1846–1917), U.S. public official and lawyer, born in Port Ontario, N.Y.; grew up in Detroit, Mich.; University of Michigan Law School and admission to the bar 1867; very succcessful law practice led to becoming active in Democratic party politics; postmaster general during President Cleveland's 1st term 1888–89; although he helped Cleveland be reelected 1892, declined Cabinet posts; served as counsel in international law cases, including Bering Sea Claims 1896, arbitration with El Salvador 1902; became a Republican to support McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt; new Michigan county named in his honor 1891.