Washington Territory Governor. Born in Yorkshire, England and educated at Oxford University, William Pickering emigrated to the United States in 1821, and settled in Edwards County, Illinois. He engaged in several business ventures including farming, banking and railroads. A Civil Engineer by trade, he is credited with planning the first railroad line between Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1842 he was elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives, and served for ten years. He developed a close friendship with Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 Pickering was chairman of the Illinois delegation to the Republican National Convention, and was a key player in getting the Presidential nomination for Lincoln. When Lincoln became President, Pickering was offered a job as Minister to England or the Governor of the Washington Territory. Pickering accepted the governorship, and served from June, 1862 until January, 1867. During his term in office Pickering sought to create and improve roads throughout the Territory. He devised plans for a state hospital and provided for the care of the mentally ill. He also worked to restructure the government. Pickering is credited with having made the first transcontinental telegraph message from the Washington Territory. Following his term in office, Pickering returned to his business interests in Albion, Illinois. He died on April 22, 1873.
Washington Territory Governor. Born in Yorkshire, England and educated at Oxford University, William Pickering emigrated to the United States in 1821, and settled in Edwards County, Illinois. He engaged in several business ventures including farming, banking and railroads. A Civil Engineer by trade, he is credited with planning the first railroad line between Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1842 he was elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives, and served for ten years. He developed a close friendship with Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 Pickering was chairman of the Illinois delegation to the Republican National Convention, and was a key player in getting the Presidential nomination for Lincoln. When Lincoln became President, Pickering was offered a job as Minister to England or the Governor of the Washington Territory. Pickering accepted the governorship, and served from June, 1862 until January, 1867. During his term in office Pickering sought to create and improve roads throughout the Territory. He devised plans for a state hospital and provided for the care of the mentally ill. He also worked to restructure the government. Pickering is credited with having made the first transcontinental telegraph message from the Washington Territory. Following his term in office, Pickering returned to his business interests in Albion, Illinois. He died on April 22, 1873.
Bio by: Ernest
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