Stephen Miller (Minnesota governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Miller
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| 4th Governor of Minnesota | |
| In office January 11, 1864 – January 8, 1866 |
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| Lieutenant | Charles D. Sherwood |
| Preceded by | Henry Adoniram Swift |
| Succeeded by | William Rainey Marshall |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from District 38 | |
| In office January 7, 1873 - January 5, 1874 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 7, 1816 Carroll Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 18, 1881 (aged 65) Worthington, Minnesota |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Margaret Funk |
| Profession | businessperson, real estate agent, attorney, soldier |
Stephen Miller (born January 7, 1816 – died August 18, 1881) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Miller was the fourth Governor of Minnesota. He was also the first person who fought in the American Civil War to become governor of Minnesota.
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Early Life and Business Success
Stephen Miller was born in Carroll Township, Pennsylvania. He started many successful businesses when he was younger. Miller had some health problems. Because of this, when he was 42, he moved to Minnesota. His friend Alexander Ramsey also lived there. People believed Minnesota's climate was better for his health.
In Minnesota, Miller opened a store in St. Cloud. Within two years, he became a well-known person in the state's Republican Party.
Serving as a Civil War Soldier
During the American Civil War, Stephen Miller joined the army. He was a middle-aged soldier and had no military experience before this. But he quickly moved up in rank. He started as a private and became a colonel in the 1st Minnesota Infantry.
In 1862, Miller returned from the southern states. He took over command of Mankato's Camp Lincoln. At this camp, 303 Dakota men were being held. They had been found guilty of taking part in the Dakota War of 1862. Four months later, Miller followed orders from President Lincoln. He oversaw the execution of 38 Dakota men. These men were condemned for their role in the war.
Minnesota's Governor
Stephen Miller's time as a soldier helped him win the election for governor in 1863. Also, Alexander Ramsey supported him. Miller became the 4th Governor of Minnesota. He served from January 11, 1864, to January 8, 1866. He was the first of many Civil War veterans to become governor of Minnesota.
Miller did not go to college himself. However, he believed that education was very important. He pushed for more money to be given to the University of Minnesota. He also supported state normal schools. These schools trained teachers. One of these schools later became St. Cloud State University. In his last speech to the state lawmakers, he asked them to allow Black men to vote. This idea was not approved at that time.
Later Life and State Representative Role
Miller decided not to run for governor again. He did not have a job until 1871. Then, he became a field agent for a railroad company in Windom.
He later served as a state representative. This means he was a lawmaker for Minnesota. He represented District 38 from January 7, 1873, to January 5, 1874. This district included several counties in southwestern Minnesota. While he was a representative, he led the House's Public Lands Committee. In 1876, he was chosen to be a representative to the Electoral College. This group officially elects the U.S. President.
Stephen Miller, who was once a war hero and a popular governor, died alone in Worthington in 1881. He was a widower and did not have much money.
See also
In Spanish: Stephen Miller (político) para niños
