Chase, Salmon Portland (1808-1873), was a prominent American statesman and chief justice of the United States. He served as secretary of the treasury under President Abraham Lincoln. Chase is considered one of the greatest secretaries because of his work in the American Civil War (1861-1865). He maintained national credit and raised money to carry on the war. Chase laid the basis of the present national banking system. After he resigned in 1864 because of a policy dispute, Lincoln, who disliked him personally, named him chief justice in recognition of his ability. As chief justice, Chase presided capably over the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.