Edmunds, George Franklin, Senator

was born in Vermont in 1828. He was a representative in the Vermont Legislature from 1854 to 1859 (except one year), serving as Speaker for three years, and was president pro fempore of the State Senate from 1861 to 1862. He drew up the resolutions adopted at the convention for uniting the Republicans and the War Democrats. In 1866 he was appointed to succeed Solomon Foote, deceased, in the U. S. Senate, and held office till his resignation in 1891. In 1877 he was a member of the Electoral Commi ion. While in the Senate he served as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and had the drafting of many important bills. His services in the Senate were marked by uprightne of character, ability to detect imperfections in pending legislation, and hostility to irregular procedure. Edmunds Act, 2 bill submitted by Senator Edmunds, of Vermont, and pa ed by Congre March 22, 1882, to regulate and restrict the polygamous institutions of the Mormons in Utah. Under its provisions Mormons were in a great measure excluded from local offices, which they had hitherto wholly controlled. Many persons were indicted and punished for polygamy also.