 | This article mayrequirecleanup to meet Wikipedia'squality standards. The specific problem is:Half of article is just notes on sources. Please helpimprove this article if you can.(January 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
John Jay Gosper | |
|---|---|
| 5th Secretary ofArizona Territory | |
| In office May 30, 1877 – April 17, 1882 | |
| Nominated by | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Preceded by | John Philo Hoyt |
| Succeeded by | Hiram M. Van Arman |
| Secretary of State of Nebraska | |
| In office January 13, 1873 – January 11, 1875 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1842-04-08)April 8, 1842[A] Mount Vernon, Ohio |
| Died | May 14, 1913(1913-05-14) (aged 71) Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
John Jay Gosper (April 8, 1842[A] – May 14, 1913) was an American politician and businessman who served asSecretary of State of Nebraska and Secretary ofArizona Territory. Much of his service in Arizona was spent as Acting Governor due to GovernorJohn C. Frémont's virtual abandonment of his post.
Gosper was born in the vicinity ofMount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio to Adelia Freer and Nathan P. Gosper on April 8, 1842.[A] The family moved to a farm close toGeneva, Illinois in 1845 and Gosper's father died in 1850. From the age of eleven to eighteen he was apprenticed to a local farmer, leaving his employer early due to poor treatment.[1]
With the coming of theAmerican Civil War, Gosper enlisted in the8th Illinois Cavalry and served in around 30 engagements during the next two years. Following his enlistment, Gosper wascommissioned asquartermaster of the29th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry.[1] In his new role, Gosper served during theSiege of Petersburg.[1] He was wounded on December 4, 1864 and lost his left leg. Gosper was hospitalized until March 1865 and was discharged from the military two months later.[1] When he was 25, Gosper married Waitie E. Polley Graham, a widow with a 12-year-old son.[2] During the war she had served as a nurse for theUnion Army.[3]
After his discharge, Gosper returned to Illinois briefly before enrolling atEastman Business College. Upon completing his education, he returned to Geneva where he farmed and raised hogs.[1] In 1870, Gosper moved toLincoln, Nebraska. There he became a member of thecity council, rising to president of the council in 1872.[3] From January 13, 1873 to January 11, 1875, Gosper was theSecretary of State of Nebraska.[3]
Gosper visitedArizona Territory in 1876. When the territorial secretary position became available the next year, he applied for the position.[1] PresidentRutherford B. Hayes appointed Gosper to become Secretary of Arizona Territory on April 13, 1877.[4] He took his oath of office inYuma, Arizona Territory on May 24.[1] He then proceeded on toTucson, arriving there on May 30 only to learn the capital had been moved toPrescott.[5]
He was granted a divorce by the10th Arizona Territorial Legislature which February 7, 1879.[6]
Sent a letter to President Garfield on March 17, 1881 asking to be appointed Governor of Arizona Territory. This request likened the appointment to a "civil service" promotion and dropped the names of former president Grant and others who would recognize his name from his service during the civil war.[7]
In report to the Secretary of Interior submitted on October 6, 1881, Gosper requested Governor Frémont be required to either return to the territory or resign.[8]
"recommending either to you or to Congress that the regularly appointed governor of this territory be required to return to his post of duty, or be asked to step aside and permit some other gentleman to take his place and feel at liberty to act without restraint."[9]
He recommended the problem of dealing with hostile Indians be transferred entirely to the War Department.[10]He felt that someIndian agents aggravated the problems with the Indians through dishonesty and that Army officers would be more likely to act as honest brokers than individuals with short-term contracts.[11]
His second marriage was to Sarah Louise Watson in 1881.
He requested Arizona Territory be granted a fourth judicial district, arguing that the then current three districts were too large and that the growing population justified an additional district.[12]
WhenChester A. Arthur became President, Gosper wrote him requesting appointment as Governor, mentioning the loss of his leg during the war and the fact that he had served as Acting Governor for roughly 75% of the five years he had held the position of Territorial Secretary.[7]
He did not receive the desired appointment following Frémont's resignation but instead saw his position given to H.M. Van Arman.[13]
Gosper served as territorial secretary under GovernorsHoyt and Frémont.Gosper County, Nebraska is named in his honor.[14]
Gosper died on May 14, 1913.[15]After learning the former territorial secretary had died in poverty, theArizona State Legislature passed a $200 appropriation to help defer Gosper's funeral expenses.[16]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Secretary of State of Nebraska 1873–1875 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Secretary of Arizona Territory 1875–1882 | Succeeded by H. M. Van Arman |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
