Alexander W. DoniphanLinks to the Alexander W. Doniphan Archive Doniphan Biography | Doniphan Community Service Award | Doniphan 2021 Community Service Award
Descending from Revolutionary War ancestry, Doniphan graduated from Augusta College in Kentucky in 1827 at age 19. In 1829, after studying law for two years, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio and Kentucky. In 1830 he relocated to Lafayette County, Missouri, where he established a law office. Within a few years, he traveled to Liberty, Clay County, where he became known as a fearless orator in the courts of law. Image: Portrait of Alexander Doniphan by George Caleb Bingham. The original is in the art collection of The State Historical Society of Missouri. In 1833, Doniphan, along with three other attorneys, represented the claims of Mormon Church members in property disputes with non-Mormons in Jackson County, Missouri. As the conditions between the early Mormon settlers and non-Mormons in Jackson County worsened, Doniphan and the other attorneys played a larger role in representing their Church clients in private mediation, the courts and in petitions for protection to the Governor of Missouri.
Although a member of the Disciples of Christ Church, he was one of the founders of William Jewell College, a Baptist affiliated school in Liberty, Missouri. Doniphan was a strong supporter of many educational endeavors and his name appears as a trustee of a number of early schools. In 1853, he became the first Clay County School Commissioner. Image: Alexander Doniphan memorial, Ray County Courthouse, Richmond, Missouri. Photo WindingRiver.com While serving in the 1836-1837 General Assembly, Doniphan was instrumental in organizing Caldwell and Daviess counties as a home for the Mormons. Less than two years later, his defense of the Mormon settlers in those two counties would lead to heroic actions that saved the lives of the leaders of that Church. Though his disobedience could have led to his own court martial, that refusal saved the lives of those Mormon leaders. The Church leaders were turned over to civilian authorities, and although Joseph and Hyrum Smith and others were imprisoned over the winter in harsh conditions in the Liberty jail, the charges against them were not proven and the prisoners were eventually allowed to escape and rejoin their families. Doniphan led one of the most famous military expeditions in American history to Old Mexico in 1846-1847. He organized a mounted regiment of Missouri volunteers that formed part of Stephen W. Kearny’s force in his march on Santa Fe. Doniphan’s service during the Mexican-American war was highlighted not only by military victory, but also his administration and the writing of new constitutions for conquered lands. His service during this war is recognized by his inclusion in the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame. Image: Alexander Doniphan in uniform. Believed to be image during the years serving in the Mexican-American War. Source unknown. Following his service in the war, Doniphan returned to his law practice in Liberty where he grew in reputation as a supporter of business, political and economic growth of the local community and the nation. He was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to serve Following the Civil War he relocated to Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, where he practiced law until his death. He is buried in Liberty, Missouri, beside his wife and two sons. Image: Doniphan family burial site in Liberty, Missouri. Photo WindingRiver.com Alexander W. Doniphan’s outstanding characteristics and personal commitments in education, jurisprudence, statesmanship, patriotism and business remain a hallmark of exemplary citizenship. His service to community and nation were feted in his own life and continue to be celebrated today by the awarding of the Alexander W. Doniphan Community Service Award. |
Doniphan bibliography
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Links to the Alexander W. Doniphan Archive Doniphan Biography | Doniphan Community Service Award | Doniphan 2021 Community Service Award |