Washington Territory. Governor (1862-1866 : Pickering)

William T. Pickering was born in Yorkshire, England in 1798. He came to America in 1821 and settled in Edwards County, IL. He served in the Illinois legislature from 1842-1852. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln offered him the choice of being part of the United States Ministry in England or the governor of the Washington Territory. Pickering became the Governor of Washington Territory in 1862. He served until 1866. Gov. Pickering sent the first message over the transcontinental telegraph line. It was received in Washington D.C. on 8 Sept. 1864. At the end of his term as governor, he returned to Illinois. William T. Pickering passed away in 1873.

From the description of Photograph of William Pickering's telegraph to Abraham Lincoln, 1864. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 171230406

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