Shadrach Bond

Shadrach Bond

Shadrach Bond (born November 24, 1773 in Frederick , Province of Maryland , †  April 12, 1832 in Kaskaskia , Illinois ) was an American politician ( Democratic Republican Party ) and from 1818 to 1822 the first governor of the state of Illinois.

Early years and political advancement

Shadrach Bond attended schools in his homeland. In 1794 he came to Kaskaskia, which is now part of Illinois, but was then part of the Indiana Territory . There he settled as a farmer and began a political career at the same time. Between 1805 and 1808 Bond was a member of the Indiana Territorial Parliament. In 1809 he was appointed Justice of the Peace in St. Clair County . In this district he also became a regular judge in 1812. After the Illinois Territory was founded in 1809 , he represented it between 1812 and 1814 as a delegate in the House of Representatives of the United States . Before that, he was a lieutenant colonel in command of the militia in this territory from 1809 to 1812. Between 1814 and 1818, Bond managed the finances of the land registry in Kaskaskia, which was responsible for managing almost all areas of the territory.

Illinois Governor

In April 1818, Congress decided to found the new state of Illinois. A constitution was passed in August of that year, and on September 19, 1818, Bond was elected unopposed as the state's first governor. He began his four-year term on October 6, 1818. US President James Monroe signed the official document on December 3 of this year to incorporate Illinois as the 21st state of the United States. The old Illinois Territory was thus dissolved. It was the job of the new governor to establish a functioning administration under the new constitution. First, in December 1820, the capital was moved to Vandalia for 20 years . The State Bank of Illinois was formed and a tax law was passed. He also operated the construction and expansion of a road network, especially in the area around the capital. This was intended to improve the state's infrastructure. During his tenure, the plans for a canal that would connect the Illinois River with Lake Michigan also emerged . The constitution of the time did not allow direct re-election of a governor. Therefore, Bond had to leave office on December 5, 1822 after his term of office expired.

Further life

After his governorship, Shadrach Bond was appointed head of the Land Office in Kaskaskia District. He held this office until his death in April 1832. He was married to Achsah Bond, with whom he had seven children.

Web links

• Shadrach Bond in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
• Biography (English)
• Shadrach Bond in the database of Find a Grave (English)