Gov. William Pitt Kellogg

Terms January 13, 1873 - January 5, 1877
Party Republican
Born December 8, 1831
Passed August 10, 1918
Birth State Vermont
School Norwich Academy
Family Married Mary E. Willis
National Office(s) Served Representative, Senator
Military Service Army

About

WILLIAM P. KELLOGG was born in Orwell, Vermont on December 8, 1831. His education was attained at the Norwich Academy in Vermont. After moving to Illinois, Kellogg studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1853, and established his legal career. He secured an appointment by President Lincoln as the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Nebraska Territory, a position he held from 1861 to 1865. During the Civil War, he served as colonel of the 7^th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, attaining the rank of brigadier general, but resigning from duty due to poor health. Kellogg entered politics in 1860, serving as a presidential elector on the Republican ticket. He also was the collector of the port of New Orleans from 1865 to 1868, and served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1868 to 1872. Kellogg won the 1872 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and defeated John McEnery in the general election on November 4, 1872. However, the State Returning Board, which validated and approved all election returns, declared McEnery the governor. An opposing board was formed and claimed Kellogg the winner. On January 14, 1873, both candidates were inaugurated into office by two separate legislatures. The dispute was finally resolved on September 20, 1873, with President Grant issuing an executive order that declared Kellogg the legal governor. During Kellogg’s tenure, the State House of Representatives voted to impeach him on misappropriation charges; however, the Republican controlled Senate dropped the charges. After Kellogg left office on January 8, 1877, he was reelected to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1877 to 1883. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1883 to 1885. Governor William P. Kellogg passed away on August 10, 1918, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Fort Meyer, Virginia.