judge's office and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one. He quickly built up a reputation in legal circles and entered politics. But he was relatively unsuccessful at getting elected and served only two terms in the Ohio legislature before establishing a reputation as a "behind-the-scenes" dealer, peddling political influence. He became particularly successful at these activities and also became known for his willingness to make money while engaging in them (Russell, 1968, pp. 109-13).
Daugherty met Warren G. Harding in 1899, while Harding was running for the Ohio State Senate. Daugherty was by then one of the most powerful Republicans in Ohio and his support ensured Harding's victory in the overwhelmingly Republican state. The relationship between Harding and Daugherty grew closer and Daugherty supported Harding throughout his political career. When Harding was elected president in 1920, he chose Daugherty to head the Justice Department (Russell, 1968, pp. 108-434).
Daugherty's relationship with Jess Smith began back in Washington Court House, where Smith was a wealthy store-owner. Smith became completely devoted to Daugherty and Daugherty eventually brought him to Washington as an unpaid assistant. The relationship between the two men was very close and Smith was known as Daugherty's alter ego, scheduling his appointments and attending to matters for which Daugherty had no time. Daugherty and Smith shared a house in Washington D.C., with Daugherty's ailing wife. Smith had once been married for a little more than a year and his ex-wife, Roxie Stinson, would later testify that she and Smith remained intimate friends after their divorce. Her testimony concerning the dealings of Smith and Daugherty would eventually help bring about the resignation of Daugherty (Daugherty, 1932, pp. 63-64; Russell, 1968, pp. 335-36; Time, 1924, March 24, p. 3).
Burton K. Wheeler was a freshman senator from the state of M...