Sibley, Henry Hastings

Sibley, Henry Hastings,

1811–91, first governor of Minnesota, b. Detroit. After two years of law study, he was (1830–34) a clerk for the American Fur Company. He later became (1834) a partner and engaged in trading in the Wisconsin and Dakota territories. He was (1848) delegate to Congress from Wisconsin Territory and promoted (1849) the organization of Minnesota Territory. He was then its territorial delegate, and when it became (1858) a state, Sibley was (1858–60) its first governor. He commanded expeditions against the Sioux after the massacre of Minnesota settlers in 1862.

Sibley, Henry Hastings

(1811–91) public official; born in Detroit. He promoted the organizing of the Minnesota Territory (1849) and was the first governor of Minnesota state (1858–60). He commanded expeditions against the Sioux (1862–64) and acted as a peace commissioner (1865–66). He moved to St. Paul and engaged in private business.