William Rainey Marshall, American banker and politician, 5th Governor of Minnesota (b. 1825)

William Rainey Marshall (October 17, 1825 – January 8, 1896) was a prominent American politician and military officer whose diverse career profoundly impacted the nascent state of Minnesota. He is best remembered as the fifth Governor of Minnesota, serving two terms from January 8, 1866, to January 9, 1870, a critical period of post-Civil War Reconstruction and rapid expansion for the state. A staunch member of the Republican Party, Marshall also distinguished himself as an officer in the 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the tumultuous American Civil War (1861–1865).

Early Life, Frontier Ventures, and Political Beginnings

Born in Columbia, Missouri, William R. Marshall’s early life was marked by the spirit of American frontier expansion. He initially sought opportunity in the burgeoning territories of Illinois and Wisconsin, where he engaged in the demanding work of lead mining and land surveying. These experiences provided him with a practical understanding of land development and resource management, skills that would prove invaluable throughout his career.

His first foray into public service saw him elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1848 as a Democrat, serving in the inaugural 1st Wisconsin Legislature. However, his tenure was short-lived; his seat was successfully contested by Joseph Bowron. The contentious point was Marshall's residence in St. Croix Falls, which, following the precise demarcation of the new state line, was found to be on the west side—territory that would soon become part of Minnesota. This geographic technicality serendipitously steered Marshall towards what would become his adopted home.

In 1849, embracing this new frontier, Marshall crossed the St. Croix River and settled in St. Paul, a rapidly growing community that would soon be designated the capital of the Minnesota Territory. Here, he established a fledgling hardware business, becoming an integral part of the local economy. His political influence continued to grow as he served a term in the first Minnesota Territorial Legislature. Crucially, his reputation solidified when he assumed the significant role of chairman for the convention that formally established the state's Republican Party, marking his definitive shift from the Democratic Party and aligning him with the emerging anti-slavery movement and principles that would define his later career.

Distinguished Military Service in Two Wars

Marshall's versatility extended far beyond politics and business; he was also a one-time banker, dairy farmer, stock-raiser, and newspaper publisher. Demonstrating profound patriotism and commitment to his adopted state and nation, he volunteered to fight in both the harrowing Dakota War of 1862 and the American Civil War.

Service in the Dakota War of 1862

The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 (also known as the Sioux Uprising or Minnesota Conflict) was a brutal and swift conflict that erupted in Minnesota, posing an immediate threat to settler communities. Marshall initially enlisted as a private in the 8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. However, recognizing his leadership capabilities and prior experience, he was swiftly appointed lieutenant colonel of the 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment on August 28, 1862. He played an active role in many of the key engagements of the Dakota War, contributing to the efforts to suppress the conflict and restore order to the frontier.

Command in the Civil War

His military career continued to ascend. Promoted to colonel of his regiment on November 6, 1863, Marshall and the 7th Minnesota were subsequently transferred south to join General Andrew Jackson Smith's command in Missouri. Here, they participated in the arduous pursuit of Confederate General Sterling Price's forces during Price's Raid in Missouri (1864), a critical campaign to prevent Confederate resurgence in the Western Theater.

Smith's command was later attached to General George H. Thomas's Army of the Cumberland, positioned outside Nashville, Tennessee. It was during the pivotal Battle of Nashville (December 15-16, 1864)—a decisive Union victory that crippled Confederate forces in the Western Theater—that Marshall's leadership was truly tested. When Colonel Sylvester G. Hill was tragically killed on the first day of the battle, Colonel Marshall immediately took command of Hill's brigade and commendably led it through the remainder of the intense engagement. He continued in brigade command when his unit was transferred to Mobile, Alabama, to participate in the Battle of Fort Blakeley (April 2-9, 1865), one of the last significant combined-arms battles of the war.

For his meritorious service and bravery, Colonel Marshall was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers, an honorary promotion for distinguished service, dated March 13, 1865, just weeks before the war's conclusion.

Gubernatorial Leadership: A Transformative Era for Minnesota

Following his distinguished military service, William R. Marshall successfully transitioned back to civilian leadership, winning the gubernatorial elections in both 1865 and 1867. His time as Minnesota's fifth governor (1866-1870) coincided with a period of profound change and rapid growth for the state in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War.

Advocacy for Black Suffrage

One of Governor Marshall's most significant and progressive initiatives was his persistent advocacy for a black suffrage amendment to the state constitution. Despite facing considerable opposition, with the legislature defeating the measure twice, Marshall relentlessly urged its passage. His unwavering commitment to civil rights ultimately prevailed when the legislature finally adopted the amendment. This landmark achievement prompted Marshall to declare triumphantly that the "free young state of Minnesota" was "now altogether free," a powerful statement reflecting the state's progress towards greater equality during the Reconstruction era.

Unprecedented Growth and Development

Under Governor Marshall's administration, Minnesota experienced an extraordinary surge of post-Civil War growth and development, solidifying its position as a burgeoning economic and demographic powerhouse in the Upper Midwest. Key indicators of this transformative period include:

• Population Boom: The state's population dramatically doubled, reaching approximately 350,000 inhabitants, driven by significant immigration and westward expansion.
• Railroad Expansion: Critical for economic development and connecting disparate communities, Minnesota's railroad mileage quadrupled during his tenure, laying foundational infrastructure for future prosperity.
• Commercial Flourishing: Accompanying the population and infrastructure growth, commercial endeavors across the state flourished, fostering new industries and increasing trade.

Later Life, Enduring Legacy, and Swedenborgianism

Even after leaving the governor's office, William R. Marshall remained actively engaged in both the private and public sectors, continuing his commitment to Minnesota's development. He leveraged his extensive experience as an attorney, banker, and notably, as a railroad and land commissioner, positions that were crucial for facilitating the state's ongoing expansion and settlement.

While residing in St. Paul, he was a partner in a law firm alongside Jude Kerr and Robertson Howard. However, despite his past successes, some of his subsequent commercial ventures faltered, coinciding with a decline in his health. Seeking a change of climate, he relocated to California in 1894, where he passed away two years later, on January 8, 1896.

An interesting facet of Marshall's personal life was his adherence to Swedenborgianism, a Christian new religious movement based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772), a Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, and mystic. This spiritual conviction, centered on concepts of divine love and wisdom, and a profound interpretation of scripture, distinguished him among the political figures of his time.

William Rainey Marshall's legacy is permanently etched into the landscape of Minnesota. Both Marshall County and the city of Marshall in southwestern Minnesota were named in his honor, serving as enduring testaments to his profound contributions as a pioneer, military leader, and transformative governor of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Rainey Marshall

Who was William Rainey Marshall?

William Rainey Marshall was an American politician and military officer who served as the fifth Governor of Minnesota from 1866 to 1870. He was also a Civil War veteran and a key figure in the early political and economic development of Minnesota.

What was William R. Marshall's role in the American Civil War and the Dakota War?

Marshall distinguished himself as a lieutenant colonel and later colonel in the 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in numerous battles during the Dakota War of 1862 and saw significant action in the American Civil War, including commanding a brigade at the Battle of Nashville and participating in the Mobile Campaign. He was brevetted brigadier general.

What were Governor Marshall's key achievements during his time in office?

As Governor of Minnesota, William R. Marshall was a staunch advocate for a black suffrage amendment, which was eventually adopted during his tenure. His administration also oversaw a period of immense growth for Minnesota, characterized by a doubling of the state's population, a quadrupling of railroad mileage, and significant commercial expansion.

What is Swedenborgianism, and why is it notable in Marshall's biography?

Swedenborgianism is a Christian new religious movement based on the theological writings of Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. William Rainey Marshall was an adherent of this faith, which is notable as it was a less common spiritual affiliation among politicians of his era, reflecting a unique aspect of his personal beliefs.

How is William Rainey Marshall remembered in Minnesota?

William Rainey Marshall's legacy is honored in Minnesota through the naming of both Marshall County and the city of Marshall. These geographical names serve as permanent reminders of his influential contributions as a pioneer, military leader, and transformative governor.