Thomas R. Marshall

Thomas Riley Marshall (March 14, 1854–June 1, 1925) was an American politician who served as the twenty-eighth Vice President of the United States of America under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921.

Marshall was born in North Manchester, Indiana and studied law at Wabash College. He was admitted to the bar and began his career as a lawyer in Columbia City, Indiana. He served as Governor of Indiana from 1909 - 1913.

He was elected, as a Democrat, Vice President of the United States on the ticket with Woodrow Wilson in 1912, was reelected in 1916 and served until 1921.

Marshall is best known for introducing this phrase into the American lexicon: "What this country really needs is a good five-cent cigar" in a Senate debate in 1917.

After suffering a more mild one the previous month, on October 2, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke that left him partially paralyzed and almost certainly incapacitated. Though Marshall was advised that the President had suffered an infirmity and despite the requests of many to do so, Marshall did not attempt to become the first Acting President of the United States. The process for declaring a President incapacitated was unclear, and Marshall was fearful of the precedent that might be set in establishing one. While Marshall would perform ceremonial functions for the remainder of Wilson's term, he would not have opportunity to meet with Wilson to ascertain his condition until their final day in office.

Marshall died in Washington, D.C. and is interred in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Preceded by: James S. Sherman

Vice President of the United States 1913–1921

Succeeded by: Calvin Coolidge