Biography

Governor of Ohio (1860-1862). He was also the United States Postmaster General. William Dennison, Jr was born in Cincinnati, OH and graduated from Miami University in 1835. He was a practicing lawyer in Cincinnati and Columbus for many years. Dennison was a supporter of the Whig party and, in 1856, became  Republican. He was known for raising many issues against discrimination and slavery, as well as supporting them when raised by others. In 1848 he was elected to the Ohio State Senate and served a single term, demonstrating against the "Black Laws." In 1860 he was elected Governor of Ohio and served until 1862. During his term he refused to allow Kentucky and Virginia to extradite runaway slaves or punish violators of the Fugitive Slave Act. While he was in office the Civil War began and he was responsible for answering Lincoln's call for volunteer soldiers. A strong supporter of the Union cause and organized many recruits for service, creating 82 regiments. He did not run for reelection in 1861 and instead ran for the United States Senate, although he was not elected. Dennison became chairman of the Republic National Convention in 1864 and was appointed United States Postmaster General by Lincoln. However, in 1866 he resigned his cabinet position because he did not support President Andrew Johnson's policies. He served on the Columbus City Council. In 1874 he was appointed by President Ulysses Grant as President of the Board of Commissioners for the District of Columbia and served until 1878.