Born at Springfield, Illinois, October 6, 1826 and died at Springfield, Illinois, March 20, 1916. Appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as the first governor of Dakota Territory. Ordered a territorial census, divided the settled portions of the territory into legislative districts, oversaw the enactment of a civil and criminal code, established revenue, militia and educational systems. Resigned the governorship to serve as a delegate to the 38th Congress in March, 1863.
From the description of Records, ca. 1862. (South Dakota State Archives). WorldCat record id: 39062607