Wilson S. Kennon facts for kids

Wilson Shannon Kennon (born May 15, 1826 – died June 18, 1895) was an important politician from Ohio. He was a member of the Republican Party. Kennon served in the Ohio House of Representatives. He was also appointed as the Ohio Secretary of State from 1862 to 1863.

Early Life and Education

Wilson S. Kennon was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio. He lived there for most of his life. His father, William Kennon, Jr., was also a well-known politician. His father served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was a judge on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Wilson Kennon went to school at the "St. Clairsville Institute." He also studied at Bethany College in what is now West Virginia. After college, he studied law in his father's office. He became a lawyer in 1850.

Political Career

In 1861, Wilson Kennon was chosen to represent Belmont County, Ohio in the Ohio House of Representatives. This is a group of lawmakers who help make rules for the state. He started his term in January 1862.

Becoming Secretary of State

Before the American Civil War, Kennon was part of the Democratic Party. However, he was nominated for the legislature by a group called the Unconditional Union Party. This party supported keeping the United States together during the Civil War.

In May 1862, the Secretary of State, Benjamin R. Cowen, resigned. He left his job to join the war effort. Governor David Tod then appointed Wilson Kennon to take his place.

The 1862 Election

The election for Secretary of State was moved to even-numbered years. Kennon was chosen by the Republican Party to run in the 1862 election. However, he lost to a Democrat named William W. Armstrong. In that election, soldiers who were fighting outside of Ohio were not allowed to vote.

Military Service

After his time as Secretary of State ended, Kennon joined the United States Army. He became a Paymaster, which means he was in charge of paying the soldiers. He served throughout the entire American Civil War. He reached the rank of Major.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Wilson Kennon returned to being a lawyer. He worked in Cincinnati for five years. Later, he moved back to Belmont County to be with his father, who was ill.

He then served as the Prosecuting Attorney for Belmont County for six years. This job meant he represented the state in legal cases. Wilson Kennon passed away at his home in St. Clairsville on June 18, 1895. At the time of his death, he was serving as the mayor of St. Clairsville.