Ohio History Journal

424        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

federacy at the opening of the Civil War. He remained in Kan-

sas and continued "steadfast in his devotion to the union of the

states." He died August 14, 1864.

 

 

WILSON SHANNON.

Wilson Shannon was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1802.

He was graduated from the Ohio University at Athens and Tran-

sylvania University, Kentucky. He began the practice of law

at St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1835. He was governor of Ohio from

December 13, 1838, to December I6, 1840. In his campaign for

re-election he was opposed by Thomas Corwin. Both were

orators with power to appeal strongly to the electors of the state.

In their campaign they spoke in almost every county of Ohio.

Corwin won, but two years later Shannon was again elected and

served from December 14, 1842 to April 15, 1844, when he re-

signed to accept appointment as United States Minister to Mex-

ico. He was afterwards representative in Congress 1853-1855.

He was appointed territorial governor of Kansas and held office

in this position fourteen months until he was superseded in 1856

by Governor John W. Geary. His administration while in this

position was a very stormy one. While he was disposed to favor

the pro-slavery party he refused to go to the limits desired and

was removed by President Pierce. He settled permanently in

Kansas where he built up a lucrative law practice and won the

regard, even of those who had formerly bitterly opposed him.

He died in Lawrence, Kansas, August 31, 1877.

 

SAMUEL MEDARY.

Samuel Medary was born in Montgomery County, Pennnsyl-

vania, February 25, 1801. He was largely self educated. He

learned the printer's trade, subsequently moved to Columbus,

Ohio, and became editor of the Ohio Statesmen which he made

one of the ablest Democratic journals of the West. He was a

vigorous writer and a staunch Jacksonian Democrat. He was

appointed governor of Minnesota Territory by President Bu-

chanan in March, 1857, and continued in office until the admission

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John Henri Kagi--Biographical Notes        425   of that state into the Union, when he returned to Columbus where he served a short time as postmaster. President Buchanan ap- pointed him governor of Kansas Territory November 19, 1858. About one month later he entered upon the duties of his new position, which he held until December 20, 1860, when he re- signed and again returned to Columbus. Here he edited the Crisis. He was a peace Democrat but took pride in the service of his son who was a soldier in the Union army. He died in Columbus, Ohio, November 7, 1864.

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