Kansas Governor. With the advent of the Civil War, he left school and served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company I, 76th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Union Army. He fought in over twenty battles and was wounded twice before he was mustered out in 1865. After the war, he graduated with a law from the University of Michigan, in 1867 and established a successful legal practice in Independence, Kansas. Entering politics, he was a member of the Kansas State Senate, in 1876. In 1877, he was appointed the 8th Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, serving until 1881. After his term, he served as judge pro tempore of the Kansas District Court and again as a member of the Kansas State Senate, (1885-89). In 1889, he was elected as a Republican the 11th Governor of Kansas, serving until 1893. During his two terms, management of state agencies was proposed, cutting back on interest rates was lobbied for, new labor laws were advocated and the appointment of Bishop W. Perkins to the U.S. Senate was confirmed. Also, the state's population rose significantly, the prohibition issue was addressed, appropriations were secured for agricultural advancements and the development of the state house was progressing. Not seeking reelection, he returned to the practice of law until his death.

Kansas Governor. With the advent of the Civil War, he left school and served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company I, 76th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Union Army. He fought in over twenty battles and was wounded twice before he was mustered out in 1865. After the war, he graduated with a law from the University of Michigan, in 1867 and established a successful legal practice in Independence, Kansas. Entering politics, he was a member of the Kansas State Senate, in 1876. In 1877, he was appointed the 8th Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, serving until 1881. After his term, he served as judge pro tempore of the Kansas District Court and again as a member of the Kansas State Senate, (1885-89). In 1889, he was elected as a Republican the 11th Governor of Kansas, serving until 1893. During his two terms, management of state agencies was proposed, cutting back on interest rates was lobbied for, new labor laws were advocated and the appointment of Bishop W. Perkins to the U.S. Senate was confirmed. Also, the state's population rose significantly, the prohibition issue was addressed, appropriations were secured for agricultural advancements and the development of the state house was progressing. Not seeking reelection, he returned to the practice of law until his death.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith