Daniel Woodson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Woodson
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| Acting Territorial Governor of Kansas | |
| Lieutenant | None |
| Preceded by | None |
| In office April 17, 1855 – June 23, 1855 |
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| In office August 16, 1855 – September 9, 1855 |
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| In office June 24, 1856 – July 7, 1856 |
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| In office August 18, 1856 – September 9, 1856 |
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| In office March 12, 1857 – April 16, 1857 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 24, 1824] Albemarle County, Virginia |
| Died | October 5, 1894 (aged 70) Claremore, Indian Territory |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | America Fuqua Christian Palmer |
| Profession | printer, newspaper editor, politician, land agent |
Daniel Woodson (born May 24, 1824 – died October 5, 1894) was an important person in the early days of Kansas Territory. He served as the secretary for the territory from 1854 to 1857. He also stepped in as the acting governor five different times.
Contents
Daniel Woodson's Early Life
Daniel Woodson was born on a farm in Albemarle County, Virginia. Sadly, both of his parents passed away by the time he was only seven years old.
Woodson's Political Career
Becoming Territorial Secretary
On June 29, 1854, President Franklin Pierce chose Daniel Woodson to be the secretary of the Kansas Territory. He officially took his job in Washington, DC on September 28. His yearly salary was $2,000.
Views on Slavery
Woodson believed that Kansas should become a slave state. This meant he supported the idea of allowing slavery in the new territory. He agreed with the people in Kansas who wanted to allow slavery.
Serving as Acting Governor
When Governor Andrew Horatio Reeder was away, Daniel Woodson became the acting governor. He signed the very first laws passed by the territory's lawmakers. The United States government saw these laws as official. However, people who wanted Kansas to be a free state called them "bogus laws."
Woodson served as acting governor for a total of just over five months. He filled in when governors Andrew Reeder, Wilson Shannon, and John W. Geary were not in the territory.
Later Years and Legacy
Life After Politics
Daniel Woodson spent his final years living in Parker, Kansas. He passed away in 1894 while visiting Claremore, Indian Territory. This area is now part of Oklahoma.
Woodson County's Name
Woodson County, Kansas was named after Daniel Woodson in 1855. It was the only county named for a Kansas territorial politician for many years. This changed in 1889 when Davis County was renamed to Geary County.
