Charles H. Sheldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Sheldon
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| 2nd Governor of South Dakota | |
| In office January 3, 1893 – January 1, 1897 |
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| Lieutenant | Charles N. Herreid |
| Preceded by | Arthur C. Mellette |
| Succeeded by | Andrew E. Lee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 12, 1840 Lamoille County, Vermont |
| Died | October 20, 1898 (aged 58) Deadwood, South Dakota |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Profession | Farmer |
Charles Henry Sheldon (September 12, 1840 – October 20, 1898) was a key figure in the early history of South Dakota. He served as the second Governor of the state. Sheldon was a farmer and a soldier before he became a political leader.
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Meet Charles H. Sheldon
Charles Henry Sheldon was born in Johnson, Vermont on September 12, 1840. He was the third of four children born to Gresham and Mary (Brown) Sheldon. When his father passed away in 1844, Charles began working at a young age. From age twelve to eighteen, he worked as a farm laborer. Later, he found work at a store.
Early Life and Military Service
As a young man, Charles Sheldon joined the abolitionist movement. This group worked to end slavery in the United States. On November 23, 1861, he joined the army. He became part of Company E of the 7th Vermont Infantry Regiment. In 1862, he began active service as a sergeant in Rutland (city), Vermont.
Sheldon served bravely during the American Civil War. On July 13, 1865, he was promoted to captain. He was then discharged from the army in Brownsville, Texas. His last year in the military was spent on the western frontier. After leaving the army, Sheldon started a business selling goods in Pope County, Illinois.
Family Life
Charles Sheldon was married twice. His first wife, Mary Walters Sheldon, passed away in 1874. They had two children together. Later, he married Martha Frizell Sheldon. Charles and Martha had three children.
A New Start in South Dakota
After living in Chicago for a year, Charles Sheldon moved to Groton, South Dakota. This move happened because his son, James, was not well. Doctors believed that a colder, northern climate would help James, who was suffering from malaria.
Sheldon settled on government land in Brown County and became a farmer. This was a common way for people to start new lives in the Dakota Territory during that time.
Entering Politics
Charles Sheldon began his political career in 1886. He was chosen to represent the twelfth legislative district in the Territorial Legislature. This meant he helped make laws for the Dakota Territory. He represented Day, Roberts, Grant, and Codington Counties. He served in this role until 1887.
In 1890, Sheldon became an important leader in the Republican Party. He was the chairman of the Day County group at the state Republican convention in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Becoming Governor
In 1892, Charles Sheldon was nominated to run for Governor at the state Republican convention. A "governor" is the elected leader of a state. In the general election, he won against two other candidates: A. L. Van Osdel and Peter Couchman.
Sheldon served as Governor of South Dakota for two terms. His time in office lasted from 1893 to 1897. During his time as governor, he helped guide South Dakota in its early years as a state.
Later Life and Passing
In 1897, after his time as governor, Sheldon retired to his farm. His farm was located near Pierpont, South Dakota. In 1898, he went on a speaking tour to support Republican candidates in the election. However, he became ill with a cold during this tour.
Charles Sheldon gave his last speech in Deadwood, South Dakota on October 15, 1898. He passed away five days later, on October 20, 1898, from pneumonia. His wife and son were with him when he died. Charles Henry Sheldon was buried at the Pierpont Cemetery.
