Robert Green Ingersoll 1833 – 1899

Biography

Robert Green Ingersoll was born on August 11, 1833, in Dresden, beginning a life that would leave a lasting mark on American intellectual and political discourse. He pursued careers as a lawyer, orator, and politician, dedicating himself to public service and the advancement of ideas through eloquent speech and legal acumen. His work in these fields earned him recognition as a significant voice in nineteenth-century America.

Throughout his life, Ingersoll became known for his passionate advocacy and his ability to move audiences with compelling oratory. His contributions to the legal profession and his political engagement reflected a commitment to principles that resonated with many of his contemporaries. Whether addressing courtrooms, legislatures, or public gatherings, he brought intelligence and conviction to his endeavors.

Ingersoll’s life came to an end on July 21, 1899, in Dobbs Ferry, when he died of heart failure. His body was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia—a final resting place befitting a man who had devoted himself to the nation’s civic life. His legacy endured through the many lives he touched and the ideas he championed throughout his sixty-five years.