Early Territorial Governors

James Buchanan created Dakota Territory on March 2, 1861. Two days later, Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office. Lincoln, with the help of his secretary of state, William Steward, chose the officials of Dakota Territory. The appointment of officials to territorial positions was, like all federal positions, subject to the system of political patronage prevalent at that time. The men selected were Republicans, opposed slavery, and were loyal to the Union.

Governor William Jayne
William Jayne
SAHRL A2856
John Hutchinson
John Hutchinson
Image courtesy
of Chicago
Historical Museum
Edmonds Appointment
Lincoln letter,
Oct 1, 1863,
appointing Edmunds,
Governor of Dakota
Acceptance Letter
Acceptance Letter
Newton Edmonds
Newton Edmunds
SAHRL A2848