- Date:
- 1850
- Original Format:
- Photographic Print
- Item#:
- MES18567
- Photographer:
- Mathew Brady
Amos Kendall (1789-1869)
Amos Kendall was a journalist and postmaster general. In 1816 he took over the "Argus of Western America" newspaper and greatly increased its prestige. Kendall was devoted to Andrew Jackson and was part of his "Kitchen Cabinet," exerting great influence on Jackson and writing many of his messages to Congress. In the hope that he would reform the office, Kendall was appointed postmaster general. He rectified abuses and reduced the debt of the department. In 1845 Kendall became the business agent of S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph. He looked after Morse's patent rights and both of them became wealthy as a result.