USA > Indiana > Governors of Indiana, illustrated > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
(40)
DAVID WALLACE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1837-1840
SAMUEL BIGGER
S AMUEL BIGGER, the seventh Governor of Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 20, 1802. He was born on a farm, but being of a delicate constitution, he was unfitted for the hard- ships of farm life, and showing a strong liking for books, his father resolved to qualify him for a profession. After completing a common school education, he graduated with honor from the college at Athens. Later he studied law, and in 1829, he removed to Liberty, Indiana, where he began law practice. Shortly afterward he removed to Rush- ville. Here he entered actively into politics, and in 1834 was elected to the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1835. The following year he was chosen Judge of the Judicial Circuit, which place he filled until 1840, when he was elected Governor of Indiana, after an exciting race, in which he defeated Tilghman A. Howard. During Governor Bigger's incumbency of the Governor's chair, the State was almost in a condition of bankruptcy, caused by its ill-judged and untimely exploitation of Public Improvements. He did not possess the qualities of mind to devise, nor the power or ability to inspire others to invent, the means whereby the State could be freed from its financial embarrassment. His was a difficult position, and many men, even with greater talents might not have been more successful in overcoming the perplexing problems then at issue. He was a candidate for re-election in 1843, but was defeated by James Whitcomb. He soon afterward removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he built up an honorable and lucrative law practice, and here he continued to reside until he died in 1845.
( 44 )
2
SAMUEL BIGGER GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1840-1843
JAMES WHITCOMB
J AMES WHITCOMB, the eighth Governor of Indiana, was born near Windsor, Vermont, December 1, 1795. In studying his early life, we are reminded of the early history of Benjamin Franklin. He had the same thirst for knowledge and was possessed of the same sturdy spirit of independence and desire to get along in the world. Being poor, it was necessary for him to cultivate habits of the utmost economy, which habits stuck with him thru life. While he was charged with being unduly parsimonious, it was to his credit that his habits of economy were practiced, solely that he might have the means whereby he could do good in the world, for he gave liberally of his time and his money to church and public charities. His early youth was spent on a farm near Cincinnati, Ohio. His father was often worried over James's love of books and was afraid it boded no good to the young man's future. However, the boy continued to borrow and read books, and by this means supplemented his short periods of attendance at school. Largely by his own efforts he fitted himself for college, and entered Transylvania Uni- versity. By teaching during vacation, he maintained himself until he graduated. He then studied law, and in 1822 was admitted to the Ken- tucky bar. Two years later he came to Indiana and settled at Bloom- ington, where he gained fame as a lawyer and was appointed Circuit Prosecuting Attorney. In 1830, he was elected to the State Senate, and was re-elected in 1833. An example of his foresight, even at this early period, is shown by his bitter opposition to the scheme of Internal Improvement that was then being feverishly exploited. Whitcomb actively, but unsuccessfully, debated against it on the floor of the Senate. In 1836 Whitcomb was appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office. His thoroughness and alertness of mind are aptly illustrated by the facility with which he mastered the French and Spanish languages, to better enable him to handle the old official documents which he encount- ered while occupying this office. In 1841, Whitcomb returned to Indiana and located at Terre Haute. He quickly established a lucrative law practice, and very soon was regarded one of the most popular members of his party. He was nominated for Governor in 1843, and was elected to the office. Three years afterward he was re-elected to the office by a majority double that of his first election. When Governor Whitcomb took the executive chair, the State was loaded down with debt, with several years' interest unpaid and its finances generally in a deplorable condition. His early habits of economy now came into excellent service. His mind readily grasped the difficulties of his position. It was thru his efforts that money was raised by the sale of the Wabash and Erie canal and the State's credit so far restored that it was able to issue bonds at a low rate of interest. His success in developing a public school system and in establishing benevolent institutions, added lustre to his fame. In 1849, Governor Whitcomb was elected to the United States Senate, but his term was cut short by a physical breakdown, and after a prolonged period of illness, he died October 4, 1852.
(48)
JAMES WHIT COMB GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1843-1848
PARIS C. DUNNING
P ARIS C. DUNNING, the ninth Governor of Indiana, was born near Greensboro, North Carolina, March 16, 1806. He was given a very good education at an Academy in Greensboro. His family removed to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1823, and Dunning began to study law in the office of Governor Whitcomb. He readily profited from the tutelage of so apt a teacher, and became Governor Whitcomb's admirer and stanch supporter thruout his career. Dunning early became active in local politics, and was elected to the House of Representatives of the State Legislature. After serving three terms, he was elected to the State Senate. As both a Representative and a Senator, he took an active part in all the important legislation. His enlarged circle of acquaintance brought to him larger political aspirations, and in 1846, he was elected Lieutenant-Governor. When Governor Whitcomb resigned the office in 1848 to become United States Senator, Dunning became acting Governor, and served the balance of the term. He then resumed the practice of law, but in 1861, he was again elected a State Senator and in 1863, was chosen President of the Senate. This was during the civil war. Governor Dunning then retired to private life, and did not again take part in politics, tho until his death, he always preserved a lively interest in public affairs.
(52)
PARIS C.DUNNING GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1848-1849
JOSEPH A. WRIGHT
J OSEPH ALBERT WRIGHT, the tenth Governor of Indiana, was born at Washington, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1810. At a very early age, he with his parents, emigrated to Bloomington, Indiana. The elder Wright was very poor, and had no means of helping Joseph to obtain an education. However, the boy was ambitious, and he resolved to forge ahead in the world. He worked at odd jobs, and at rare intervals attended school. He improved his spare moments by delving into books and asking questions of his elders. By hard work and by taking the utmost advantage of all his spare time, he was able to qualify for entrance to the State University. Here he maintained himself by performing all sorts of chores and at odd moments did hard labor in a nearby brickyard. An education thus gained is seldom wasted. In his two years' of attend- ance in college, Wright probably secured as much knowledge as the average student does in a four year course. At twenty years of age, Wright was admitted to the bar. He then removed to Rockville and opened a law office. He soon became widely known and at the age of twenty-three, was elected a member of the State Legislature. Thence- forth he was always actively engaged in politics and served several terms in the State Senate, and also a term as Representative in the United States Congress. He was an excellent campaigner, being ready of wit, and a forceful speaker. While he laid no claim to eloquence, what he said was always to the point, and most important of all, he always had something to say. He was elected Governor of Indiana, in 1849, defeat- ing John A. Matson. He was re-elected to the office in 1852, his opponent this time being Nicholas McCarty. During Governor Wright's. admin- istration, the State passed thru many important events. It was a formative period, and Wright was always active in its development. He was instrumental in forming the State Agricultural Society, and tho not himself a farmer, he was made its first President. During the second Constitutional Convention, Governor Wright took an active part. His term as Governor expiring in 1857, he was appointed United States minister to Prussia, which office he filled for four years, and in 1862 he was appointed by Governor Morton to the United States Senate to fill a vacancy. He served as Commissioner to the Hamburg Exposition in 1863, under appointment by President Lincoln, and in 1865, he was again sent to Prussia as United States minister. He filled this office until his death, which occurred at Berlin, May 11, 1867.
.
( 56)
JOSEPHA, WRIGHT GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1849-1857
ASHBEL P. WILLARD
A SHBEL PARSONS WILLARD, the eleventh Governor of Indiana, was born in Oneida County, New York, October 31, 1820. He was one of the youngest, as well as the most brilliant, men that ever occupied the office of Governor of Indiana. He graduated at an early age from Hamilton College and early began the practice of law. He at first settled at Marshall, Michigan, where he remained only a short time. Thence he went to Texas, making the entire trip on horse back. On his return, he stopped at Carrollton, Kentucky, and taught school there for a term. He later took charge of a school near Louisville. Thruout this period of his life, he was a close student, reading widely, and using all his spare time in improving his mind. The time thus spent was soon to repay him tenfold. About this time occurred the contest between Henry Clay and James K. Polk for the Presidency of the United States. It was an exciting one, and party spirit ran high, especially in Kentucky, Clay's home. Young Willard was an ardent Democrat. He had a natural love for politics, and readily embraced an opportunity to stump for Polk. During one of his political speeches at New Albany, Indiana, he created so favorable an impression that, a committee of influential citizens invited him to remove to that city. Willard thought the opening a good one, and henceforth made New Albany his home. He took an active interest in civic matters and was elected to the Common Council. The following year, he was elected to the State Legislature, and from that time until he died, he occupied a conspicuous place in public life. His career in the State Legislature was one that quickly won him leadership. His alertness of mind, readi- ness of repartee, and charming manners won the love and admiration of his fellow members, and even those who were of the opposite party could not but admire his brilliant qualities. It is not surprising that at the next Democratic State Convention, in 1852, his name was popularly received for the nomination of Lieutenant-Governor. He received the nomination and was elected. As presiding officer of the Senate, he made an enviable record. In 1856, he was nominated for Governor, and at the election, defeated Oliver P. Morton. Both candidates were of the first mental caliber, and we may well believe that the contest was a hot one. Governor Willard filled the office with honor to himself and to the State, but in 1860, his health rapidly failed, and he died on October 4th of that year, being the first Governor of Indiana who died while occupying that office.
(60)
ASHBEL P. WILLARD GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1857-1860
ABRAM A. HAMMOND
A BRAM ADAMS HAMMOND, the twelfth Governor of Indiana, was born at Brattleboro, Vermont, March 21, 1814. At the early age of six years, he came to Brookville, Indiana, where he passed his youth and early manhood. After getting a good education, he entered the law office of John Ryman, and was soon admitted to the bar. In 1835, he removed to Greenfield, Indiana, and began the practice of law. Not being satisfied with the prospect of advancement at his profession at Greenfield, after five years' residence at the place, he removed to Co- lumbus, Indiana, where he formed a partnership with John Bradley. He was successful at the start, and was soon elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney of his Circuit. In 1846, Hammond and Bradley removed to Indianapolis, but one year later, they removed to Cincinnati. Neither was satisfied with the new location, and both soon returned to Indianapolis. Hammond immediately plunged into politics and was chosen the first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Marion County. He seems, however, to have been possessed of a spirit of restlessness, for it was not long until he departed for San Francisco, where he formed a law partnership with Rufus A. Lockwood. The following year, he again returned to Indiana, and in 1855, settled at Terre Haute. While Abram Hammond was neither a brilliant scholar, nor possessed of great oratorical powers, he was a good lawyer. His mind was clear and logical, and he was a very close observer. His ability was far above the average, and notwithstanding his many changes of location, he was eminently successful at each of them. Within one year after he had settled at Terre Haute, he had reached such prominence that he was nominated and elected to the office of Lieutenant-Governor, on the same ticket with Governor Willard. Upon the death of the latter, in 1860, Hammond succeeded to the Governor's office, and on Friday, January 11, 1861, he delivered his first and only message to the Legislature. His administra- tion of the office was able, and he was instrumental in the passage of many needed laws, made necessary by those abnormal and troublous times. Governor Hammond's term expired January 14, 1861, and he then returned to the practice of his profession, which, however, was much interrupted by ill health. He suffered acutely from rheumatism and became so badly crippled that he was compelled to walk on crutches. He died at Denver, Colorado, August 27, 1874.
(64)
ABRAM A. HAMMOND GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1860
HENRY S. LANE
H ENRY SMITH LANE, the thirteenth Governor of Indiana, was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, February 11, 1811. He enjoyed the advantages of a good education, and when twenty- one years old, was admitted to the Kentucky bar. Three years later, he removed to Crawfordsville, Ind., where he soon gained a reputation as a lawyer, and was particularly successful in criminal cases. Be became prominent in politics, and in 1837 was elected to the State Legislature. Three years later, he became a candidate for a seat in Congress, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of General Howard. Lane's oppo- nent was Edward A. Hannegan. After a spirited race, Lane was elected. The following year he was re-elected to the office, this time defeating John Bryce. In 1844, during the candidacy of Henry Clay for the Presidency of the United States, Lane gave his whole time and energies in Clay's behalf. None mourned Clay's defeat more than he. When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, Lane earnestly engaged in the work of raising troops. He made speeches to the people, and by his eloquence raised the war spirit of his hearers to the highest pitch. A company of volunteers was organized, and Lane was chosen Major of a regiment. He was soon promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and served until his regi- ment was mustered out of service. In 1849, Colonel Lane was again a candidate for Congress, but was defeated by Joseph E. McDonald, cer- tainly a worthy opponent. Lane had always been a Whig, and when the Republican party was formed, he readily assumed leadership in his State. By this time he had obtained a national reputation. He was chosen President of the National Convention of the Republican party, held in 1856. In public speaking Lane possessed rare accomplishment, and his addresses at the Convention aroused the utmost enthusiasm among the delegates. Fremont and Dayton were nominated for President and Vice-president, and Lane immediately took the platform in their support. In 1859, Colonel Lane was elected by the Indiana Legislature to the United States. Senate. However, his seat was contested and the Senate decided against him. In 1860, he was nominated for Governor, and after a spirited contest, was elected, defeating Thomas A. Hendricks. Governor Lane's occupancy of the Governor's chair was very brief, for just two days after delivering his ยท message to the Legislature, he was elected to the United States Senate. He resigned the governorship and served in the Senate with credit to himself and his constituents. When his term expired, he returned to Crawfordsville, where he died June 18, 1881.
( 68 )
HENRY S. LANE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1861
OLIVER P. MORTON
O LIVER PERRY MORTON, the fourteenth Governor of Indiana, was born at Salisbury, Wayne County, Indiana, August 4, 1823, and was the first Governor to be born within the boundaries of the State. His family was of English origin, and the original name was Throckmorton. However, Morton's father discarded "Throck" and thenceforth the name was just plain "Morton." Young Morton attended Professor Hoshour's Academy at Centerville, but the poverty of his family compelled him to go to work at an early age. He learned the hatter's trade with an older brother, which business he followed for four years. His ambition being then aroused, he began to study law, both at Miami University and in the office of Judge Newman. Morton had a keen mind, and he quickly rose to prominence in the legal profession. In 1852, he was elected Circuit Judge, but not liking the duties of the position, he soon returned to his practice. Morton had always been a Democrat. As the County was strongly Whig, he had little chance of securing elective office. The repeal of the Missouri Compromise created dissension in the Democratic party, and Judge Morton drew away from it and joined the People's party, which in 1856 was merged with the Republican party. Morton was a delegate to the Pittsburgh Convention that year and took an active part therein. During that same year he was unanimously nominated for Governor of Indiana, but was defeated by Ashbel P. Willard. The campaign between Morton and Willard was one of the most spectacular that was, ever held within the State. Both were brilliant men, and both were forceful speakers, Willard being the more eloquent, while Morton's manner was the more convincing. Tho defeated, Morton's popularity with his party was very great, and he was recognized as one of the strong men of the State. In 1860, he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana on the ticket with Henry S. Lane. Upon the resignation of Governor Lane to accept the office of United States Senator, Oliver P. Morton became Governor. The period during which Governor Morton held this office was one of great stress and excitement, occasioned by the war of the Rebellion. He early realized the seriousness of the situation, and resolved to combat it with firmness. When President Lincoln, three days after the attack on Fort Sumter, called for 75,000 men to put down the rebellion, Governor Morton imme- diately telegraphed him as follows: "On behalf of the State of Indiana, I tender you for the defense of the nation, and to uphold the authority of the Government, ten thousand men." Governor Morton's conduct thruout the war was patriotic to the last degree, and at its conclusion, he was recognized as one of the greatest war Governors in the Union. He resigned his office as Governor to become United States Senator, which place he occupied until his death, November 1, 1877.
(72)
OLIVER P. MORTON GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1861-1867
.
CONRAD BAKER
C IONRAD BAKER, the fifteenth Governor of Indiana, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1817. He was the son of a farmer and underwent the usual hardships of the country boy in pioneer days in his efforts to get an education. His early schooling was obtained at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, attending school during the brief winter term and working the rest of the time on his father's farm. At the age of fifteen he was admitted to a college in Gettysburg. There he graduated with honor, and immediately took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar at Gettysburg, in 1839. After practicing suc- cessfully for two years, he became possessed of a desire to go West, and settled at Evansville, Indiana. Here he remained for five years, and served one term in the State Legislature. He then removed to Boonville, where he continued to take an active interest in public affairs. In 1852, he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court of Warrick County, and four years later was nominated Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana, the nomin- ation being made without his knowledge, and without his being a candi- date for the office. He accepted the nomination, but was defeated at the election. When war was declared in 1861, he was commissioned Colonel of the First Indiana Cavalry and served with distinction under General Fremont and others. In 1865, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant-Governor with Governor Oliver P. Morton. When the latter resigned to assume the office of United States Senator, Colonel Baker became Acting-Governor. At the end of the term, he was himself elected Governor, and during his administration of the office, that is during the re-construction period following the war, he influenced much important legislation. Governor Baker was always regarded as a man of the highest character. He possessed qualities of mind far above the average. Whether as a lawyer, a citizen, or a friend, the esteem in which he was held by all who knew him was remarkable, especially as he was a man of retiring disposition, with quiet manners, and with no particular accomplishment as a talker, or as a public speaker. Most of his success was won by his shrewd knowledge of human nature and the solid, logical bent of his mind-"just plain, hard common sense" he would have called it. Upon the expiration of his term as Governor, he returned to the practice of law .in Indianapolis, where he died April 28, 1885.
(76)
CONRAD BAKER GOVERNOR OF INDIANA 1867-1873
THOMAS A. HENDRICKS
T HOMAS ANDREWS HENDRICKS, the sixteenth Governor of Indiana, was born on a farm in Muskingum County, Ohio, Sep- tember 17, 1819. When he was six months old his parents removed to Madison, Indiana, and -three years later settled in Shelby County, Indiana. Hendricks's early education was obtained in the public school at Shelbyville, and he later attended Hanover College. He studied law in the office of Judge Major, of Shelbyville, and in the office of his uncle, Judge Thomson, an eminent jurist of Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania. He returned to Shelbyville, where he soon built up a fine law practice. Interesting himself in politics, he was elected to the State Legislature in 1848, and two years later was chosen Senatorial Delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1851 he was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1852. In 1855 President Pierce appointed him Com- missioner of the General Land office, which office he held four years. In 1860 he was nominated for Governor, but was defeated by Henry S. Lane. He then removed to Indianapolis and in 1862 was elected to the United States Senate. His term of six years covered the exciting period of the war and the reconstruction years following. Hendricks supported appropriations to equip and pay the soldiers and favored the payment of bounties to induce enlistment, but opposed conscription acts and all measures to recruit the army by drafts. In 1868 he was a candi- date for Governor, but was defeated by Conrad Baker. He resumed the practice of law in Indianapolis in partnership with his cousin, Major A. W. Hendricks, and Oscar B. Hord. Thomas A. Hendricks was very successful as a trial lawyer, and had the faculty of gathering instantly the threads of a tangled case and carrying it to a successful end. His grasp of legal points amounted almost to intuition, and his capacity to arrange facts systematically was unsurpassed. His manner before a jury was unaffected, earnest, persuasive, and when he finished their view of the case was usually in agreement with his own. In 1872 Hendricks was again nominated for Governor, and was elected in a very close contest, all other candidates on his ticket being defeated, except one. His conduct of the office was able and dignified and reflected great credit on the State. In 1876 his name was presented for the Presidency of the United States, but the influence of Tilden was too strong, and he was prevailed upon to accept second place on the ticket. Hendricks actively canvassed in sev- eral states. The contest was not ended by the election, but was decided by an electoral commission, in favor of President Hayes. Governor Hen- dricks now formed a law partnership with former Governor Baker. In 1884 Governor Hendricks was nominated and elected Vice-President of the United States on the ticket with Grover Cleveland. He died in Indi- anapolis November 25, 1885.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.