Commissioner of Agriculture
1867-1871
Front of old Department of Agriculture Building. Developed during Horace Capron tenure. Library of Congress
Horace Capron's Senate confirmation vote
Horace Capron was confirmed as Commissioner of Agriculture on November 27, 1867. His Maryland and Illinois political connections were vital to getting the job and his nomination took a while to get through Congress..
Agriculture was “the foundation interest of the country.” There were 2.6 million farms. Farmers were 53% of the labor force. Between 75-79% of the country’s exports were farm products.
As Commissioner Capron oversaw areas ranging from the distribution of seeds, to exports, farm tool inventions to agricultural colleges, and farming experiments.
He also tried to cut some government waste by closing down a seed packing department…..
"...This involved the necessity of discharging a large number of employees—mostly females—a most disagreeable duty, particularly as most of them were protégés of members of Congress…"Horace Capron Autobiography, p 147.
Agriculture was “the foundation interest of the country.” There were 2.6 million farms. Farmers were 53% of the labor force. Between 75-79% of the country’s exports were farm products.
As Commissioner Capron oversaw areas ranging from the distribution of seeds, to exports, farm tool inventions to agricultural colleges, and farming experiments.
He also tried to cut some government waste by closing down a seed packing department…..
"...This involved the necessity of discharging a large number of employees—mostly females—a most disagreeable duty, particularly as most of them were protégés of members of Congress…"Horace Capron Autobiography, p 147.