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Henry Smith Lane
Indiana

Gov. Henry Smith Lane

  • January 14, 1861 - January 16, 1861
  • Republican
  • February 24, 1811
  • June 19, 1881
  • Kentucky
  • Married twice--Pamela Bledsoe Jameson, Joanna M. Elston
  • Resigned
  • Representative

About

HENRY S. LANE, Indiana’s thirteenth governor, was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on February 24, 1811. His classical education was attained through private tutors. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1832, and then established his legal career in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Lane entered politics in 1837, serving as a member to the Indiana House of Representatives, a position he held until 1838. He also was a member to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from August 3, 1840 to March 3, 1843. With the outbreak of the Mexican War, Lane’s political aspirations were temporarily put on hold. He organized and led a company of volunteers, and later was promoted to major, and then lieutenant colonel of the 1st Indiana Regiment. After his military service, Hammond returned to Indiana, where he became actively involved in the organization of the new Republican Party. Lane won the 1860 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was sworn into office on January 14, 1861, however, two days later he resigned from the governorship, upon his election to the U.S. Senate. He served in senate from March 4, 1861 to March 3, 1867. He later served as special Indian commissioner from 1869 to 1871, and was a commissioner for the improvement of the Mississippi River in 1872.  Governor Henry S. Lane died on June 19, 1881, and buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Indiana Historical Bureau

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

CountyHistory.com

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