Governors of Ohio from Beers History of Warren County, Ohio
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The History of Warren County, Ohio

Governors of Ohio

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Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 18 November 2004

Sources:
The History of Warren County Ohio
Part II, The History of Ohio
(Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992)

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The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Territory was admitted as a State, in 1802, Edward Tiffin was elected to that position, and again received the same honor, in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circumstances led him to resign, and Thomas Kirker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor, until the close of the term.

Edward Tiffin was born in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in 1784, at the age of eighteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and applied himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary,

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daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subsequently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1796, where he died, in 1829.

Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of second Governor, was inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn,. being his native place. He was a diligent student in Yale College, graduating in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently superior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817.

Return Jonathan Meigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Yale College, graduating in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law, and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Governor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor during the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of his usefulness, a revered memory.

Thomas Worthington, the fourth Governor, was born in Jefferson County, Va., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College: In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his position as Governor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceedingly active in paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famous for practical worth and honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as " a gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence." He died in 1827.

Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. His education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor. In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required standard in general education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law office of Alexander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, which promised a fortune, he abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to return to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from cast to west, through Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here

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they purchased two flatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Reaching that city, they found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the flour to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Baltimore nine months after first leaving "home," on this adventure. Mr. Brown's father decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a permanent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him. He found what he desired, near Rising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was chosen Governor, in 1818. He was re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received the honor of Senator, and served one term, with the highest distinction, gaining emolument for himself and the State he represented. In 1880, he was appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning, was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire from public life. Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Rising Sun, Ind., during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occurring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianapolis, Ind. He was interred near his father, at Rising Sun.

Jeremiah Morrow, the sixth Governor of Ohio, was born at Gettysburg, Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the "Scotch-Irish" class, and his early life was one of manual labor upon his father's farm. During the winter, he had the privilege of a private school. With a view of establishing himself and securing a competency, he bade the old home farewell, in 1795, and set out for the "Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known by the name of Columbia, six miles from Fort Washington—Cincinnati He devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy —teaching school, surveying and working on farms between times. Having accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as far as Warren County, and there purchased an extensive farm, and erected an excellent log house. In the spring of 1799, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia. The young couple set out upon pioneer farming. Gaining popularity as well as a desirable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr. Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfastly worked in the interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year, he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was appointed the first Representative to the United States Congress from the new State.

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Ohio was then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and in 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in 1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest, La Fayette, with an earnest and touching emotion, which affected the emotions of the generous Frenchman more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to lay the corner stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representatives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin. He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in Warren County, March 22, 1853.

Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, purchasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spacious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Before this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of Highland County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He was always eager to be in the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Highland County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In 1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his brother, Col. William A. Trimble. In October, 1826, he was elected the seventh Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The united vote of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. Trimble was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828, he was re-elected, although Jackson carried the State the following November. Gov. Trimble was married in 1806, to Miss Margaret McDowell. Three years thereafter, she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Hillsboro, Highland County, February 3, 1870. His wife survived him but a few months.


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Duncan McArthur, the eighth Governor of Ohio, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a child, his parents removed to the western part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers. While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school. His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under Gen. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected to that position, although the youngest man in the company. When his days of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky., until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case of danger. This was during the summer of 1793. Gen. Massie again secured his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several years, during which time he assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature. He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit in 1813. At Hull's surrender he was a prisoner, but released on parole, returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity. Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon thereafter he was released from parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harrison, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the State Legislature. He occupied State offices until 1822, when he was again sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy life as a citizen on his farm, "Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until 1840, when he died.

Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been born in 1781, in Jefferson County of that State. While a boy, his father liberated his slaves, moving to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compensation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for Union Township, Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sumner, The same year he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature. For

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nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and 1828, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio. In 1832, he was Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nominated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August, 1838, he reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa until his death, in 1853.

Joseph Vance, the tenth Governor of Ohio, was born in Washington County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana. Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became proficient in handling those useful implements—the plow, ax and rifle. The first money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled through a wilderness, over swamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves and panthers, and laid down to sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swollen that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before he could cross. He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his majority, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. At twenty-three, he was elected Captain of a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to fight the Indians prior to the war of 1812. During that year, he and his brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817, with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their cattle and hogs many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. He engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs—now Perrysburg.

While thus employed, He was elected to the Legislature, and there remained four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork, and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Constitutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken with paralysis, and suffered extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana.

Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born during 1803. At the age of fifteen, he was sent to the university at Athens,

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where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky. He continued his studies two years, then returning home and entering upon reading law. .He completed his course at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Congress, but he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attorney in 1834, in which position his abilities were so marked and brilliant that he was elected Governor by a majority of 3,600. He was re-nominated in 1840, but Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter, he was again nominated and elected. In 1843, he was appointed Minister to Mexico, by President Tyler, and resigned the office of Governor. When Texas was admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the United States. Mr. Shannon returned home, and resumed the practice of law. He was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the position of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty he did not perform satisfactorily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in 1877.

Thomas Corwin, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His father settled at Lebanon in 1798. The country was crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was engaged to drive a wagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1817 he passed examination and was admitted to practice. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in 1818, which position he held until 1830. He was elected to the Legislature of Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be re-elected for the space of ten years. He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr. Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in 1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by President Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. C., where he died in 1866.

Mordecai Bartley was born in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he remained, on his father's farm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He married Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, near Cross Creek. At the opening of the war of 1812, he enlisted in a company, and was elected its Captain. He entered the field under Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from Mansfield. He remained on his farm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, entered the mercantile

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business. In 1817, he was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Congress in 1823, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio, on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870.

William Bebb, the fourteenth Governor, was from Hamilton County, Ohio. He was born in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend, residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year, during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law, continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1831, he was admitted to practice, and opened an office in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In 1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Rock River country, Ill., and removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that position until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois farm. He died at Rockford, Ill., in 1873.

Seabury Ford, the fifteenth Governor of Ohio, was born in the year 1802, at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of law, in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to the Legislature, in 1835, and served six sessions, during one of which he was Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there remained until 1844, when he was again elected Representative. In 1846, he was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855.

Reuben Wood, the sixteenth Governor, was a Vermonter. Born in 1792, in Middleton, Rutland County, he was a sturdy son of the Green Mountain State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upper Canada. In 1812, he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an American spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and they were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where they were storm-bound three days, suffering from hunger and exposure. They reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisoners

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four days, when an uncle of Mr. Wood's, residing not far distant, came to their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they were released. Mr. Wood then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of Plattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the company returned to Woodville and was disbanded.

Young Wood then entered the law office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middlebury, Vt. He was married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland, Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his wife, infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000. The new constitution, which went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office of Governor, and he was re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov. Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man prevented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce became President. Mr. Wood was appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and returned to his fine farm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the 1st he died, mourned by all who knew him.

William Medill, the seventeenth Governor, was born in New Castle County, Del., in 1801. He was a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began the study of law under Judge Black, of New Castle, and was admitted to the bar in 1832. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830. He was elected Representative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in 1838, and was re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster General by President Polk. During the same year, he was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, and in 1853, he became Governor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the office until 1861, when he retired from public life. His death occurred in 1865.

Salmon P. Chase was a native of Cornish, N. H. He was born in 1803. He entered Dartmouth College in 1822, graduating in 1826. He was thereafter successful in establishing a classical school in Washington, but financially it did not succeed. He continued to teach the sons of Henry Clay, William Wirt and S. L. Southard, at the same time reading law when not busy

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Alfred Holbrook
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as tutor. He was admitted to practice in 1829, and opened a law office in Cincinnati. He succeeded but moderately, and during his leisure hours prepared a new edition of the "Statutes of Ohio." He added annotations and a well-written sketch of the early history of the State. This was a thorough success, and gave the earnest worker popularity and a stepping-stone for the future. He was solicitor for the banks of the United States in 1834, and soon thereafter, for the city banks. He achieved considerable distinction in 1837, in the case of a colored woman brought into the State by her master, and escaping his possession. He was thus brought out as an Abolitionist, which was further sustained by his defense of James G. Birney, who had suffered indictment for harboring a fugitive slave. In 1846, associated with William H. Seward, he defended Van Zandt before the Supreme Court of the United States. His thrilling denunciations and startling conjectures alarmed the slaveholding States, and subsequently led to the enactment of the fugitive-slave law of 1850. Mr. Chase was a member of the United States Senate in 1849, through the coalition of the Democrats and Free-Soilers. In 1855, he was elected Governor of Ohio by the opponents of Pierce's administration. He was re-elected in 1859. President Lincoln, in 1861, tendered him the position of Secretary of the Treasury. To his ability and official management we are indebted for the present national bank system. In 1864, he was appointed Chief Justice of the United States. He died in the city of New York in 1873, after a useful career.

William Dennison was born in Cincinnati in 1815. He gamed an education at Miami University, graduating in 1835. He began the study of law in the office of the father of George H. Pendleton, and was qualified and admitted to the bar in 1840. The same year, he married a daughter of William Neil, of Columbus. The Whigs of the Franklin and Delaware District sent him to the State Senate, in 1848. He was President of the Exchange Bank in Cincinnati, in 1852, and was also President of Columbus & Xenia Railway. He was elected the nineteenth Governor of Ohio in 1859. By his promptness and activity at the beginning of the rebellion, Ohio was placed in the front rank of loyalty. At the Beginning of Lincoln's second term, he was appointed Postmaster General, retiring upon the accession of Johnson. He then made his home at Columbus.

David Tod, the twentieth Governor of Ohio, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, in 1805. His education was principally obtained through his own exertions. He set about the study of law most vigorously, and was admitted to practice in 1827. He soon acquired popularity through his ability, and consequently was financially successful. He purchased the Briar Hill homestead. Under Jackson's administration, he was Postmaster at Warren, and held the position until 1838, when he was elected State Senator by the Whigs of Trumbull District, by the Democrats. In 1844, he retired to Briar Hill, and opened the Briar Hill Coal Mines. He was a pioneer in the coal business of Ohio. In the Cleveland

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& Mahoning Railroad, he was largely interested, and was its President, after the death of Mr. Perkins. He was nominated, in 1844, for Governor, by the Democrats, but was defeated. In 1847, he went to Brazil as Minister, where he resided for four and a half years. The Emperor presented him with a special commendation to the President, as a testimonial of his esteem. He was also the recipient of an elegant silver tray, as a memorial from the resident citizens of Rio Janeiro. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which met at Charleston in 1860. He was Vice President of this Convention. He was an earnest advocate for Stephen A. Douglas. When the Southern members withdrew, the President, Caleb Cushing, going with them, the convention adjourned to Baltimore, when Mr. Tod assumed the chair and Douglas was nom-nated. He was an earnest worker in the cause, but not disheartened by its defeat. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, he was one of the most vigorous prosecutors of the war, not relaxing his active earnestness until its close. He donated full uniforms to Company B, of the Nineteenth Regiment, and contributed largely to the war fund of his township. Fifty-five thousand majority elected him Governor in 1861. His term was burdened with war duties, and he carried them so bravely as Governor that the President said of him: "Governor Tod of Ohio aids me more and troubles me less than any other Governor." His death occurred at Briar Hill during the year 1868.

John Brough was a native of Marietta, Ohio. He was born in 1811. The death of his father left him in precarious circumstances, which may have been a discipline for future usefulness. He entered a printing office, at the age of fourteen, in Marietta, and after serving a few months, began his studies in the Ohio University, setting type mornings and evenings, to earn sufficient for support. He occupied the leading position in classes, and at the same time excelled as a type-setter. He was also admired for his athletic feats in field amusements. He completed his studies and began reading law, which pursuit was interrupted by an opportunity to edit a paper in Petersburg, Va. He returned to Marietta in 1831, and became editor and proprietor of a leading Democratic newspaper —the Washington County Republican. He achieved distinction rapidly, and in 1833, sold his interest, for the purpose of entering a more extended field of journalism. He purchased the Ohio Eagle, at Lancaster, and as its editor, held a deep influence over local and State politics. He occupied the position of Clerk of the Ohio Senate, between the years 1835 and 1838, and relinquished his paper. He then represented the counties of Fairfield and Hocking in the Legislature. He was then appointed Auditor of State by the General Assembly, in which position he served six years. He then purchased the Phoenix newspaper in Cincinnati, changed its name to the Enquirer, placing it in the care of his brother, Charles, while he opened a law office in the city. His editorials in the Enquirer, and his activity in political affairs, were brilliant and strong. He retired from politics in 1848, sold a half-interest in the Enquirer and carried on a prosperous business, but was brought forward again by leaders of both

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political parties in 1863, through the Vallandigham contest, and was elected Governor the same year, by a majority of 101,099 votes in a total of 471,643. He was three times married. His death occurred in 1865—Charles Anderson serving out his term.

Jacob Dolson Cox, the twenty-second Governor, was born in 1828, in Montreal, Canada, where his parents were temporarily. He became a student of Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1846, graduating in 1851, and beginning the practice of law in Warren in 1852. He was a member of the State Senate in 1859, from the Trumbull and Mahoning Districts. He was termed a radical. He was a commissioned Brigadier General of Ohio in 1861, and, in 1862, was promoted to Major General for gallantry in battle. While in the service he was nominated for Governor, and took that position in 1865. He was a member of Grant's Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, but resigned. He went to Congress in 1875, from the Toledo District. His home is in Cincinnati.

Rutherford B. Hayes, was the nineteenth President of the United States, the twenty-third Governor of Ohio, was born at Delaware, Ohio, in 1822. He was a graduate of Kenyon College in 1842. He began the study of law, and, in 1843, pursued that course in the Cambridge University, graduating in 1845. He began his practice at Fremont. He was married to Miss Lucy Webb in 1852, in Cincinnati. He was Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861, and in 1862, was promoted to Colonel on account of bravery in the field, and eventually became Major General. In 1864, he was elected to Congress, and retired from the service. He remained in Congress two terms, and was Governor of Ohio in 1867, being re-elected in 1869. He filled this office a third term, being re-elected in 1875.

Edward F. Noyes was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1832. While a lad of fourteen, he entered the office of the Morning Star, published at Dover, N. H., in order to learn the business of printing. At the age of eighteen, he entered the academy at Kingston, N. H. He prepared for college, and entered Dartmouth in 1853, graduating with high honors in 1857. He had begun the study of law, and continued the course in the Cincinnati Law School, and began to practice in 1858. He was an enthusiast at the opening of the rebellion and was interested in raising the Twentieth Regiment, of which he was made Major. He was promoted to Colonel in 1862. At the conflict at Ruff's Mills, in Georgia, in 1864, he was so unfortunate as to lose a leg. At the time, amputation was necessary, but was unskillfully performed. He was brought to Cincinnati, and the operation was repeated, which nearly cost him his life. He reported three months later, to Gen. Hooker for duty, on crutches. He was assigned to command of Camp Dennison. He was promoted to the full rank of Brigadier General, and while in discharge of his duty at that place, he was elected City Solicitor of Cincinnati. He occupied the position until 1871, when he was elected Governor, by a majority of 20,000. He went to France in 1877, as Minister, appointed by President Hayes.

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William Allen, the twenty-fifth Governor of Ohio, was born in 1807, in Chowan County, N. C. While an infant, he was left an orphan, and his sister superintended his education. He was placed in a private school in Lynchburg, Va., at the age of fourteen. Two years later, he joined his sister and family, in Chillicothe, and attended the academy a year, when he entered the law office of Edward King, and began a course of study. In his seventeenth year, he began practice, and through his talent speedily acquired fame and popularity. Before he was twenty-five, he was sent to Congress by a strong Whig district. He was elected United States Senator in 1837, there remaining until 1849. In 1845, he married Effie McArthur, who died soon after the birth of their daughter. In 1873, he was elected Governor. His administration gave general satisfaction. He died, at his home at " Fruit Hill," in 1879.

R. M. Bishop, the twenty-sixth Governor of Ohio, was born November 4, 1812, in Fleming County, Ky. He began the vocation of merchant, and for several years devoted himself to that business in his native State. In 1848, he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in Cincinnati. His three sons became partners, under the firm name of R. M. Bishop & Sons. The sales of this house frequently exceeded $5,000,000 per annum. Mr. Bishop was a member of the Council of Cincinnati, and in 1859 was its Mayor, holding that office until 1861. In 1860, the Legislatures of Indiana and Tennessee visited Ohio, to counsel each other to stand by the Constitution 'and the flag. At the reception given at Pike's Opera House, Mayor Bishop delivered an eloquent address, which elicited admiration and praises. During the same year, as Mayor, he received the Prince of Wales in the most cordial manner, a national credit as a mark of respect to a distinguished foreign guest. In 1877, he was elected Governor of Ohio, by a large majority.

Charles Foster, the present and twenty-seventh Governor of Ohio, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 12, 1828. He was educated at the common schools and the academy at Norwalk, Ohio. Engaged in mercantile and banking business, and never held any public office until he was elected to the Forty-second Congress; was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress, and again to the Forty-fourth Congress, as a Republican. In 1879, he was nominated by the Republicans and elected Governor of the State; was re-elected in 1881.

In reviewing these slight sketches of the Governors of this grand Western State, one is impressed with the active relationship they have all sustained, with credit, with national measures. Their services have been efficient, earnest and patriotic, like the State they have represented and led.


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