Lionel Allen Sheldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lionel Allen Sheldon
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Lionel Allen Sheldon. Engraving by H.B. Hall
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| Governor of New Mexico Territory | |
| In office March 9, 1881 – May 4, 1885 |
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| Appointed by | James A. Garfield |
| Preceded by | Lewis Wallace |
| Succeeded by | Edmund G. Ross |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | James Mann |
| Succeeded by | Ezekiel John Ellis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 30, 1828 Worcester, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 1917 (aged 88) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum, Altadena, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands | 42nd Ohio Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Arkansas Post |
Lionel Allen Sheldon (born August 30, 1828 – died January 17, 1917) was an important figure in American history. He was a brigadier general in the Ohio militia and served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became a U.S. Representative for Louisiana. President James A. Garfield appointed him Governor of the New Mexico Territory, a role he held from 1881 to 1885.
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Lionel Allen Sheldon's Early Life
Lionel Sheldon was born in Worcester, New York. His parents were Allen and Anna Marie Sheldon. He later moved with his family to Lagrange, Ohio.
He went to school in his local district. From 1848 to 1850, he studied at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1853, he graduated from Fowler's State and National Law School in Poughkeepsie, New York. That same year, he became a lawyer and started working in Elyria, Ohio. He also served as a judge in Lorain County, Ohio, during 1856 and 1857.
Serving in the Military
Sheldon played a key role in the American Civil War. He joined the Union Army in 1861. He quickly became a lieutenant colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He had already been a brigadier general in the militia since 1858.
In March 1862, Sheldon was promoted to colonel. He took command of the regiment after his friend, who would later become President James A. Garfield. Colonel Sheldon led his troops in many important battles. These included Middle Creek and Chickaway Bayou. He also helped capture Cumberland Gap.
His brigade launched an attack on Arkansas Post. He fought under Major General Ulysses S. Grant. Sheldon was part of the attack on Port Gibson, Mississippi. He also saw action during the assault on Thompson’s Hill. Even after being wounded in the hand, he bravely led two charges. He continued to follow his regiment during battles at Raymond, Jackson, and Black River Bridge. He recovered in time to join the siege of Vicksburg.
Sheldon was recognized for his bravery. He was made a Brigadier General of volunteers in March 1865. After the war, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. He practiced law there from 1864 until 1879.
Governor of New Mexico Territory
In May 1881, Lionel Sheldon became the Governor of the New Mexico Territory. He faced some challenges from older citizens and officials. However, he achieved important things during his time.
He successfully started building The Penitentiary of New Mexico. Governor Sheldon also worked hard to strengthen the local militia. This militia helped protect against lawlessness and local tribes. The rest of his term saw a period of business growth. Sheldon resigned from his position in 1885.
Political Journey
Sheldon was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives three times. He served from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1875. During this time, he chaired the Committee on Militia. He tried to get re-elected in 1874 but was not successful.
In 1879, he returned to Ohio. He helped with James A. Garfield's presidential campaign. After Garfield became president, he appointed Sheldon as Governor of the New Mexico Territory. He held this role from 1881 to 1885. He also worked for the Texas and Pacific Railway from 1885 to 1887. Sheldon was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1856, 1880, and 1896. Each time, he represented a different state: Ohio, Louisiana, and California.
Later Life
In 1888, Sheldon and his wife, Mary Greene Miles, moved to Los Angeles, California. He continued to practice law there. Later, he moved to Pasadena, California. He passed away in Pasadena on January 17, 1917. His remains were cremated.
Images for kids
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Relief portrait of Sheldon at Vicksburg National Military Park
