- Date:
- 1865
- Original Format:
- Carte de Visite
- Item#:
- MES20040
- Photographer:
- Mathew Brady
Alexander Ramsey (1815-1903)
Alexander Ramsey was a Republican politician and lawyer from Minnesota. He was originally from Pennsylvania and served as that state's U.S. representative (1843-47). After moving to Minnesota and becoming involved with local politics, he became the first governor of the territory of Minnesota (1849-53). After Minnesota became a state, he again served as governor (1860-63) and as U.S. senator (1863-75). Ramsey was appointed to be U.S. secretary of war during President Rutherford B. Hayes' administration (1879-81).