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Daniel Woodson

Politician, territorial governor. Democrat. Born: May 24, 1824, Albemarle County, Virginia. Died: October 5, 1894, Claremore, Indian Territory. Served: April 17 to June 23, 1855; August 16 to September 7, 1855; June 24 to July 7, 1856; August 18 to September 9, 1856; and March 12 to April 16, 1857, as acting governor of Kansas Territory.

Daniel WoodsonDaniel Woodson was born May 24, 1824, in Albemarle County, Virginia. As a young man he learned the printer’s trade and became a skilled compositor. He served as editor of the Lynchburg Republican, an influential Democratic newspaper. He also gained attention for his editorials, and with an interest in politics, was appointed secretary of Kansas Territory in 1854.  He served as the territory’s executive officer several times including spring 1855, when Governor Andrew Reeder was absent from the territory. After Reeder's removal he served as acting governor until the arrival of Governor Wilson Shannon. In spring 1856 Woodson served as acting governor while Shannon was in St. Louis. When Shannon resigned Woodson served as acting governor until the arrival of Governor John W. Geary. After Geary retired Woodson served from March 12 to April 16, 1857.  He was appointed receiver of the Delaware land office in 1857, but continued to serve as acting governor until the Governor Frederick P. Stanton arrived. Woodson retired from the office of receiver and began farming in Leavenworth County. Twelve years later he moved to Parker, Montgomery County, where he established a newspaper and eventually worked at the Coffeyville Journal. There is Coffeyville he served as city clerk. Woodson was proslavery and his views met with opposition among antislavery supporters. He died October 5, 1894, at Claremore, Indian Territory, in the home of his son. Woodson County is named for him.

Entry: Woodson, Daniel

Author: Kansas Historical Society

Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.

Date Created: May 2012

Date Modified: October 2018

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.