William Gates LeDuc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Gates LeDuc
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| 4th United States Commissioner of Agriculture | |
| In office July 1, 1877 – 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Frederick Watts |
| Succeeded by | George B. Loring |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 29, 1823 Wilkesville, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | October 30, 1917 (aged 94) Hastings, Minnesota, U.S. |
William Gates LeDuc (born March 29, 1823 – died October 30, 1917) was an important American politician. He served as the fourth United States Commissioner of Agriculture from 1877 to 1881. This role meant he was in charge of the country's main farming department. LeDuc also fought in the American Civil War and helped develop the state of Minnesota.
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Who Was William G. LeDuc?
William G. LeDuc had an interesting life, starting from his early days and moving to a new territory. He helped build up Minnesota and supported the country during a major war.
Early Life and Education
William Gates LeDuc was born on March 29, 1823, in Wilkesville, Ohio. He went to public schools and later attended Howe's Academy. During his school years, he became friends with William Tecumseh Sherman, who would later become a famous Civil War general. LeDuc studied law and became a lawyer in Ohio around 1849 or 1850.
Moving to Minnesota and Early Work
In 1850, LeDuc moved to Saint Paul, which was then part of the Minnesota Territory. His wife, Mary, joined him the next year. He started his career in Minnesota by practicing law, especially dealing with land. He also opened a bookstore and sold other goods. Many people saw LeDuc as one of Minnesota's first "promoters" because he worked hard to make the area grow.
In 1851, LeDuc was present when the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed. This was an important agreement between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. He also published a "Minnesota Year Book" for a few years, sharing information about the territory. LeDuc helped plan the city of West St. Paul, Minnesota.
Promoting Minnesota's Growth
In 1853, LeDuc was chosen to represent Minnesota at the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations. This was a big World's Fair held in New York City. He collected many items from Minnesota to show off the territory's resources. These included grain, animal furs, mining samples, and Native American crafts. He even brought a bison to New York! The exhibition was a success, and LeDuc sold the bison to a zoo.
LeDuc worked hard to encourage people to move to Minnesota. He helped get the first charter for a railroad in the region. He also organized a company to build the Wabasha Street Bridge over the Mississippi River. This bridge was very important for connecting parts of Saint Paul. He also helped start the Hastings and Dakota Railroad. In 1856, LeDuc and his wife began building a large home in Hastings, Minnesota. This home, known as the "William G. LeDuc House," is now a historic landmark.
LeDuc's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, William LeDuc joined the Union Army. He played a crucial role in managing supplies and logistics for the soldiers.
Supporting the Union Army
LeDuc joined the army in 1862 as a lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. This group was responsible for providing supplies, transportation, and housing for the troops. He helped George B. McClellan during the Peninsula campaign. LeDuc was praised for building special "corduroy roads" during a retreat. These roads, made of logs, helped save many cannons and equipment.
LeDuc continued to serve in the Army of the Potomac. After the Battle of Gettysburg, he moved to the Western Army. There, he was in charge of supplies during the Chattanooga campaign. He even organized the building of a steamboat to move supplies more easily up the Tennessee River.
Key Contributions in Battle
LeDuc was also present during the Atlanta campaign and the capture of Atlanta. He was responsible for helping people leave the city before General Sherman's army burned it. He later helped repair a bridge during the Battle of Franklin. He also accompanied General John Schofield during the Battle of Nashville. When the Civil War ended in 1865, LeDuc was honorably discharged. He had reached the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he returned to Hastings, Minnesota.
Leading U.S. Agriculture
After his military service, William LeDuc took on a new challenge: leading the country's agriculture department.
Commissioner of Agriculture
In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed LeDuc as the fourth United States Commissioner of Agriculture. He started his new job on July 1, 1877. LeDuc worked to reorganize the department. During his time in office, he helped create a Division of Forestry. He also laid the groundwork for the Bureau of Animal Industry. These new divisions were important for managing forests and protecting animal health.
New Ideas for Farming
LeDuc believed that agriculture was the "fundamental industry" of the country. He wanted the United States to grow all the food it needed and not rely on imports. He especially focused on making the U.S. self-sufficient in producing tea and sugar. These were two of America's biggest agricultural imports. He warned that the country would be in trouble if it didn't grow its own sugar.
He first thought that increasing cane sugar production would solve the problem. However, he soon started promoting sorghum sugar and sugar from beets. LeDuc also believed that growing tea in the Southern states would greatly benefit the nation. He introduced tea farming to several states, but his efforts to create a large tea industry were not successful. He also tried to stop the government from giving out free seeds to farmers, but he did not succeed. LeDuc left office in 1881.
Later Years and Legacy
After his time as Commissioner, LeDuc continued to be involved in important organizations.
What Happened Next?
In 1881, William LeDuc was elected a member of the Agricultural Society of France. This was a great honor, showing his influence in agriculture beyond the U.S. He was also a member of the Minnesota Historical Society, helping to preserve the history of his adopted state. William Gates LeDuc passed away on October 30, 1917, at the age of 94. He is remembered for his contributions to Minnesota's development, his service in the Civil War, and his efforts to improve American agriculture.
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William G. LeDuc
