Background
Gorman, Willis Arnold was born on January 12, 1816 in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, United States. Son of David L. and Elizabeth Gorman.
territorial governor army officer
Gorman, Willis Arnold was born on January 12, 1816 in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, United States. Son of David L. and Elizabeth Gorman.
Bachelor of Laws (honorary), University Indiana Law School, 1845.
Admitted to Indiana bar, 1835. Clerk Indiana Senate, 1837-1838, enrolling secretary, 1839-1840. Member Indiana House of Representatives, 1841-1844.
Commissioned major 3d Indiana Regiment under General Lane, 1846.
Colonel 4th Indiana Regiment in Mexican War, 1847. Civil and military governor Puebla (Mexico), 1848.
Member United States House of Representatives (Democrat) from Indiana, 31st-32d congresses 1849-1851. Governor Minnesota Territory, 1852-1857.
Superintendent Indian affairs, negotiated several treaties.
Responsible for Minnesota’s system of taxing landgrants. Delegate Minnesota Constitutional Convention. Member Minnesota legislature, 1859.
Commissioned colonel 1st Minnesota Volunteers 1861, brigadier general, 1861.
Served in 1st Battle of Bulletin Run, 1861. Commanded a brigade at battles of Savage’s Station, South Mountain, Edwards Ferry, Antietam, 1862.
Attorney City of Saint Paul (Minnesota), 1869-1876.
Member Indiana House of Representatives, 1841-1844. Member United States House of Representatives (Democrat) from Indiana, 31st-32d congresses 1849-1851. Member Minnesota legislature, 1859.
Married Martha Stone, January 1836. Married second, Emily Lewington, April.