Samuel Hitt Elbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Hitt Elbert
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| 6th Governor of the Territory of Colorado | |
| In office 1873–1874 |
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| Preceded by | Edward M. McCook |
| Succeeded by | Edward M. McCook |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 3, 1833 Logan County, Ohio |
| Died | November 27, 1899 (aged 66) Galveston, Texas |
| Political party | Republican |
| Signature |  |
Samuel Hitt Elbert (born April 3, 1833 – died November 27, 1899) was an important figure in the early history of the Colorado Territory and later the state of Colorado. He started his career as a lawyer in the Nebraska Territory. Later, he moved to Colorado and served as the second Secretary of the Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1866. He then became the sixth Governor of the Territory of Colorado from 1873 to 1874.
After Colorado became a state, Samuel Elbert continued to serve the public. He was a justice on the Colorado Supreme Court from 1876 to 1888. He even held the top position as chief justice from 1879 to 1882. He was married to Josephine Evans, the daughter of Territorial Governor John Evans. Sadly, Josephine passed away, and her father built the Evans Memorial Chapel in her memory.
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Who Was Samuel Elbert?
Samuel Hitt Elbert played a key role in shaping Colorado during its early years. He helped establish laws, managed relations with Native American tribes, and promoted important developments like irrigation. His work as a lawyer, secretary, governor, and judge left a lasting mark on the region.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Elbert was born on April 3, 1833, in Logan County, Ohio. His parents were Achsa Hitt and John Downs Elbert, a doctor. His family had been in America for a long time, with his great-grandfather serving as a surgeon during the American Revolution.
In 1840, Samuel's family moved to the Iowa Territory. He went to public schools where he learned about many subjects, including agriculture. He later attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was part of a student club called Beta Theta Pi. He graduated in 1854. For the next two years, he studied law at a well-known law firm in Dayton, Ohio. In 1856, he officially became a lawyer in Ohio. The following spring, in 1857, he moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska in the Nebraska Territory to start his law practice.
A Career in Public Service
Samuel Elbert dedicated much of his life to public service, helping to build and govern new territories and states.
Starting in Nebraska
In Nebraska, Samuel Elbert became involved in politics. He joined the newly formed Republican Party. He attended the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1860. At this convention, Abraham Lincoln was chosen as the presidential candidate. Elbert met both Lincoln and John Evans there. He also attended the 1864 convention where Lincoln was nominated again.
Serving Colorado Territory
Samuel Elbert moved from Nebraska to Colorado in 1862. That same year, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him as the Secretary of the Colorado Territory. As Secretary, he sometimes filled in for Governor Evans when needed. He served in this role from 1862 until 1867. During this time, he worked to manage relations between new settlers and Native American tribes.
During the American Civil War, Elbert helped organize and prepare the 2nd and 3rd Colorado regiments for the war effort. He also played a key role in setting up the Republican Party in the Colorado Territory. After his time as Secretary, he formed a law firm called Charles & Elbert. In 1869, he was elected to the territorial legislature. He became the chairman of the Republican central committee for Colorado in 1872.
Governor of Colorado Territory
In 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Samuel Elbert as the sixth Governor of the Colorado Territory. That summer, President Grant visited Colorado, becoming the first U.S. President to do so. He even stayed at Governor Elbert's home.
Governor Elbert and President Grant traveled to Central City, Colorado. There, they met with leaders of the Ute people to discuss a treaty. This treaty, known as the Brunot Treaty of 1873, helped open up land for new railroads and mining. This was important for Colorado's economic growth. As governor, Elbert also promoted new ways to irrigate land. He founded the Western Irrigation Conference, which created water laws to help Colorado's farming industries thrive. Governor Elbert served until the spring of 1874.
A Judge for Colorado
After his time as governor, Samuel Elbert spent a year traveling in Europe. He learned about the political and social situations there. When Colorado became a state in 1876, Elbert was elected to the Colorado Supreme Court. He served as a justice until 1888. From 1879 to 1883, he held the important position of chief justice of the Supreme Court. He resigned in 1888 due to poor health and traveled abroad again. In 1880, Ohio Wesleyan University awarded him an honorary LLD, which is a special law degree.
Family Life
In June 1865, Samuel Elbert married Josephine Evans. She was 18 years old and the daughter of Territorial Governor John Evans. Bishop Matthew Simpson performed their wedding, and George Armstrong Custer was the best man.
The Elberts lived in a red brick house in Denver. Josephine and Samuel had a son, John Evans Elbert, born in March 1868. Sadly, John passed away in August 1868. Josephine also became very ill and passed away in October 1868. Her father, John Evans, built the Evans Memorial Chapel in her memory in 1878. This chapel is located on the University of Denver campus.
After a period of declining health, Samuel Elbert passed away on November 27, 1899, in Galveston, Texas. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Denver, alongside Josephine and their son John.
Samuel Elbert's Lasting Legacy
Samuel Elbert's name lives on in Colorado. Elbert County, Colorado, the town of Elbert, Colorado, and Mount Elbert are all named in his honor. Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. Miners were thankful to Governor Elbert. They named Mount Elbert after him because he helped create a treaty that supported mining and railroad expansion in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Samuel Hitt Elbert para niños
- History of Colorado
- Law and Government of Colorado
