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Biography
Theodore Brentano (March 29, 1854 – July 2, 1940) was an American attorney and judge and the first U.S. ambassador to Hungary (his full title was Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary). He was appointed to the position by Warren G. Harding.
Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Lorenzo Brentano and his wife Caroline, Theodore Brentano was educated in Chicago, Dresden and Zurich. He studied law at National University Law School (which later became George Washington University Law School). Brentano married Minnie Claussenius on May 17, 1887. He was admitted to the bar in 1882, became an assistant city attorney in 1888, and by 1890 was a Superior Court judge in Cook County, Illinois (he would go on to become chief justice). Brentano remained on the bench for thirty-one years.
Brentano was appointed as minister to Hungary on February 10, 1922, arrived in Budapest on May 10, presented his credentials on May 16, and served until May 6, 1927.