Abel C. Pepper

Abel Claypole Pepper (April 20, 1793 – March 20, 1860) was an American politician, law enforcement officer, and Indian agent. During his long career in government service, Pepper oversaw the removal of American Indians in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin on behalf of the United States Department of War, signing treaties with Indigenous peoples, which eventually resulted in the Potawatomi Trail of Death. He served in the Indiana House of Representatives three times and was a United States Marshal.

Early life and education Abel Claypole Pepper was born in Virginia on April 20, 1793. Pepper first pursued a career in medicine, interning at a doctor's office. He changed his career path after incorrectly prescribing the wrong medication to a patient. He started studying law and represented, unlicensed, a local farmer in court. Pepper failed to win the case for the client. He stopped pursuing law. Those Potawatomies that did not leave their land within the two years agreed to in the treaties were forced to evacuate, resulting in the Potawatomi Trail of Death.

In 1836, he returned to the Indiana House of Representatives to serve a third and final term. After the one-year term expired, Pepper was voted again, unanimously, as director. In 1844, he served as the sheriff and Sinking Fund Commissioner of Dearborn County, Indiana. After his tenure, he was appointed by President James K. Polk a United States marshal, serving from 1845 until 1849.

Later life and death Pepper was a member of the Indiana Constitutional Commission in 1850. He represented Ohio and Switzerland Counties.

He died at home on March 20, 1860, in Rising Sun. He is buried in Rising Sun.

Legacy Pepper's papers are held in the collection of the Indiana State Library.