Wade's life in politics began as a prosecutor and local judge.<ref name=battlefieldtrust>[https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/benjamin-wade Benjamin Wade]. ''American Battlefield Trust''. Retrieved November 9, 2021.</ref> During the late 1830s and early 1840s, Wade served in the state legislature, where he established a reputation as a staunch [[abolitionist]] and advocate of [[civil rights]], pushing for the repeal of racist "Black Codes." He was a member of the [[Whig Party]] during this period.<ref name=battlefieldtrust/> | Wade's life in politics began as a prosecutor and local judge.<ref name=battlefieldtrust>[https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/benjamin-wade Benjamin Wade]. ''American Battlefield Trust''. Retrieved November 9, 2021.</ref> During the late 1830s and early 1840s, Wade served in the state legislature, where he established a reputation as a staunch [[abolitionist]] and advocate of [[civil rights]], pushing for the repeal of racist "Black Codes." He was a member of the [[Whig Party]] during this period.<ref name=battlefieldtrust/> |