Illinois Governor. He attended Transylvania University, studied law, was admitted to the bar and established a legal career in Edwardsville, Illinois. During the Black Hawk War, he served as a spy in Colonel Sam Whiteside's Battalion. Entering politics, he was attorney of the Fifth Judicial District, judge of the Sixth Illinois Circuit Court in 1835, judge of the Ninth Illinois Circuit Court, in 1839 and judge on the Illinois Supreme Court (1841-42). In 1842, he was elected as a Democrat the 8th Illinois Governor, serving until 1846. During his tenure, construction was completed on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, toll revenues were used to counter the state deficit and the state militia was ordered to control the difficulties between the Mormons and the Gentiles. After his term, he returned to his law practice and was author of the book, "History of Illinois 1818-1847." He died from tuberculosis at age 49. He was originally interred at City Cemetery in Peoria. The commonwealth of Illinois erected an 18 foot monument in his honor. This stone was blown down, however, during a cyclone in 1858. His remains were removed and reinterred at Springdale in 1860.
Illinois Governor. He attended Transylvania University, studied law, was admitted to the bar and established a legal career in Edwardsville, Illinois. During the Black Hawk War, he served as a spy in Colonel Sam Whiteside's Battalion. Entering politics, he was attorney of the Fifth Judicial District, judge of the Sixth Illinois Circuit Court in 1835, judge of the Ninth Illinois Circuit Court, in 1839 and judge on the Illinois Supreme Court (1841-42). In 1842, he was elected as a Democrat the 8th Illinois Governor, serving until 1846. During his tenure, construction was completed on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, toll revenues were used to counter the state deficit and the state militia was ordered to control the difficulties between the Mormons and the Gentiles. After his term, he returned to his law practice and was author of the book, "History of Illinois 1818-1847." He died from tuberculosis at age 49. He was originally interred at City Cemetery in Peoria. The commonwealth of Illinois erected an 18 foot monument in his honor. This stone was blown down, however, during a cyclone in 1858. His remains were removed and reinterred at Springdale in 1860.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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