Samuel Dexter LeCompte (December 13, 1814 – April 24, 1888) was an American jurist and a prominent figure in the events surrounding “Bleeding Kansas,” a period of violent conflict over slavery in the Kansas Territory during the 1850s.
Early Life and Career
- Born: December 13, 1814, in Dorchester County, Maryland.
- Education and Profession: He became a lawyer and was active in the slave trade in Maryland before moving to Kansas.
Role in Kansas Territory
LeCompte was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Kansas Territory by President Franklin Pierce on October 3, 1854. His tenure was marked by strong pro-slavery stances:
- He supported the pro-slavery legislature, known as the “Bogus Legislature,” and validated its authority despite its controversial election.
- He was instrumental in establishing Lecompton, Kansas, as the pro-slavery capital of the territory. The town was named after him.
- In May 1856, he instructed a grand jury to indict Free-State leaders for treason, which led to significant violence, including the infamous Sack of Lawrence, where pro-slavery forces attacked and destroyed abolitionist properties.
Later Life and Legacy
- LeCompte resigned from his judicial position in 1859 and moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he practiced law and served as a probate judge.
- During the Civil War, he remained loyal to the Union and later served in the Kansas legislature (1867–1868).
- He switched political allegiance from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party after the war, though critics accused him of opportunism.
In 1877 LeCompte’s wife of 36 years, Camilla, passed away. Ten years later, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to live with his son. He passed away the following year, 1888, and was buried in Leavenworth.
Near the end of his life, Samuel LeCompte denounced claims that he had intentionally aided the proslavery cause, and insisted that, “in no solitary instance, did I knowingly, or in any spirit of prejudice or partiality, pervert or abuse my official position.” Nonetheless, he is primarily remembered for his proslavery associations and for his judicial actions against the Free-State settlers of territorial Kansas.
LeCompte died on April 24, 1888, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was buried at Mount Muncie Cemetery in Leavenworth. His legacy is tied to his controversial role in defending pro-slavery interests during one of America’s most turbulent periods.
What were Samuel Dexter Lecompte’s most controversial actions in Kansas
Samuel Dexter LeCompte’s most controversial actions in Kansas stemmed from his staunch pro-slavery stance and his judicial decisions during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” period. These actions include:
- Indictment of Free-State Leaders for Treason (1856):
- Role in the Sack of Lawrence (May 21, 1856):
- The grand jury under LeCompte’s court declared abolitionist establishments in Lawrence, such as the Free State Hotel and newspaper presses, as “nuisances.” This led to their destruction during the raid on Lawrence by pro-slavery forces. Sheriff Samuel J. Jones, who led the raid, claimed his actions were sanctioned by LeCompte’s court, though LeCompte later denied direct involvement123.
- Support for Pro-Slavery Governance:
These actions made him a polarizing figure, seen as a defender of pro-slavery forces and an enabler of violence against abolitionists in Kansas Territory. His judicial decisions and perceived partisanship contributed to escalating tensions during this critical pre-Civil War period.
Samuel Dexter LeCompte’s pro-slavery views significantly influenced the events of Bleeding Kansas, exacerbating tensions and contributing to the violence that erupted in the territory. His actions as Chief Justice of the Kansas Territorial Supreme Court had far-reaching consequences:
- Legitimizing the “Bogus Legislature”: LeCompte validated the authority of the pro-slavery territorial government, known as the “Bogus Legislature,” despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud1. This decision undermined the legitimacy of the democratic process and angered Free-State settlers.
- Indictment of Free-State Leaders: In May 1856, LeCompte instructed a grand jury to indict Free-State leaders for treason, targeting those who opposed the pro-slavery territorial legislature1. This action directly contributed to escalating violence in the territory.
- Role in the Sack of Lawrence: LeCompte’s grand jury declared abolitionist establishments in Lawrence as “nuisances,” which led to their destruction during the infamous Sack of Lawrence on May 21, 18561. This event marked a significant escalation in the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
- Biased Judicial Decisions: LeCompte consistently ruled in favor of pro-slavery interests, creating a perception of injustice among Free-State settlers1. His handling of cases, such as the murder of David Buffum, demonstrated a clear bias towards protecting pro-slavery individuals1.
- Fueling Political Tensions: LeCompte’s actions became a focal point of national debate, with Republicans in Congress denouncing his court as part of a plot to drive out anti-slavery settlers1. This heightened the political divide between North and South.
- Contribution to “Bleeding Kansas”: LeCompte’s pro-slavery stance and judicial decisions contributed to the violent guerrilla war between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in Kansas between 1855 and 18592. His actions helped create an environment where both sides felt justified in using violence to achieve their goals.
- Impact on National Politics: The events in Kansas, influenced by LeCompte’s decisions, put pressure on national politicians to address the slavery issue more definitively2. This contributed to the growing sectional tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War.
LeCompte’s unwavering support for slavery and his use of judicial power to further pro-slavery interests made him a central figure in the Bleeding Kansas conflict. His actions not only affected local events but also had significant repercussions on national politics, contributing to the escalating tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War
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Family Members
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Family Members
Parents
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Samuel LeCompte
1775–1849
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Araminta Frazier LeCompte
1786–1847
Spouse
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Camilla Anderson LeCompte
1818–1877
Siblings
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Edward P LeCompte
1802–1842
Children
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Eugene D. LeCompte
1845–1929
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Camilla Aramelta LeCompte Farnum
1860–1923
James T LeCompte
b. 4-June-1857 Kansas
d. 9-Dec-1911 Cook County, Ill
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