Governor of Idaho Territory

United States Congressman from Idaho

Autograph Document Signed

(1831-93) Born in Union County, Indiana, he graduated from the law department of what is now De Pauw University in 1854, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Liberty, Indiana. He served as a member of the Indiana State Senate, 1858-61, resigning at the outbreak of the Civil War to join the Union Army. He was commissioned captain of the 15th Indiana Infantry, on June 14, 1861, and participated in the Cheat Mountain operations. Promoted to major of the 36th Indiana Infantry on October 23, 1861, he fought at Shiloh, in the siege of Corinth, and in the battle of Wild Cat, Ky. He was promoted to colonel of the 69th Indiana Infantry, on November 1, 1862, and led his regiment in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, in the capture of Fort Hindman, in the battle of Port Gibson, in the siege of Jackson, in the actions at Alexandria, and the campaign against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general on March 5, 1865. He was the mayor of Richmond, Indiana, 1869-70, 1877-83, and 1885-87; he was appointed Governor of Idaho Territory by President U.S. Grant, serving 1871-75; and served as U.S. Congressman, 1875-76.

Autograph Document Signed: 3 pages, 7 3/4 x 12 1/2, in ink. Complaint on Bill of Exchange, entered in the Union Court of Common Pleas, Indiana, in the May Term 1858. Handwritten by Bennett as the attorney for the plaintiff giving details of the complaint. Signed, T.W. Bennett, Pltff. Atty. Light age toning and wear. Very fine.