Silas Woodson (D)

Overview

At a Glance

• Promoted the establishment of Southeast Missouri State Normal School, now Southeast Missouri State University (1873)
• Reduced state indebtedness
• Cut state tax rate
• Authorized popular vote for constitutional convention (1875)
• Failed to obtain state appropriations to apprehend bank and train robbers, including the notorious James brothers

Personal History

Silas Woodson was born and raised in Kentucky, but he decided to relocate to Missouri in 1854, beginning a new chapter in his career in the developing town of St. Joseph. He brought with him valuable credentials and experience as both a lawyer and politician. St. Joseph, favorably located along the Missouri River, was poised for growth due to the ongoing construction of the Hannibal-St. Joseph Railroad. The town had become an important outpost for the movement of people and goods heading west, leading to a booming land speculation market along the frontier. Here Woodson established the law firm of Woodson and Hughes, which was the first of several firms that would carry his name in St. Joseph.

Woodson married in 1842 and welcomed his first child, a son named Miller, in 1844. His first wife died shortly after their son's birth, and he remarried Olivia Adams in 1846. Woodson's commitment to the Union during the Civil War was unwavering. While he did not engage in combat on the front lines, he achieved the rank of colonel and served as the inspector general in the Missouri State Militia. In 1863, he took on the critical role of assistant provost marshal, responsible for enlisting Black volunteers in response to General Order No. 135, which aimed to bolster the ranks of able-bodied men, including both freedmen and enslaved individuals.

The years following the Civil War brought further personal tragedy for Woodson. In 1865, he suffered the loss of his son Miller, who died at the age of 21. Mere months later, he lost his second wife as well. In 1866, he married Virginia Juliet Lard, the daughter of Moses E. Lard, a prominent leader in the Disciples of Christ movement. Together, Silas and Virginia had three children: their first child, Mary Alice, was born in 1870, followed by twins Silas and Virginia in 1875.

Woodson's career came to a halt in April 1895 when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, leading to his death 18 months later. In the summer of 1895, Woodson converted to Catholicism, and he was buried at Mt. Mora Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Political History

At the age of 23, Woodson entered the political arena by being elected to the Kentucky General Assembly. He served with distinction as the circuit attorney from 1843 to 1848 and participated as a delegate in Kentucky's Constitutional Convention in 1849. His political career in Kentucky concluded with a second and final term in the legislature in 1852, after which he moved to Missouri.

Once in Missouri, Woodson became an active participant in the Democratic Party. However, the late 1850s brought significant turmoil due to contentious issues surrounding states' rights and slavery, leading to a divisive political landscape. In 1857, he endorsed Robert M. Stewart in his bid for the governorship. By 1860, Woodson’s political trajectory saw him elected as judge for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in St. Joseph, solidifying his legal and political legacy.

In 1868, Woodson ran for the state legislature but was unsuccessful. Recognizing the need for a stronger Democratic presence, the party sought to forge a coalition with the Liberal Republicans. They scheduled concurrent nominating conventions in Jefferson City for 1872, where Woodson was elected as the permanent chairman. The delegates aimed to create a unified slate of candidates from both parties, with a Democrat at the helm. Initially, six candidates emerged during the balloting, but this number quickly dwindled to four; however, their varying political alignments made unification challenging.

As the voting continued without a candidate securing a sufficient majority, Woodson delivered an impassioned plea for compromise and unity among the factions. During this pivotal moment, a delegate from Jasper County proposed that another nomination be made from the floor, suggesting Woodson’s name. The convention recognized him as the candidate capable of uniting their efforts. Woodson demonstrated exceptional campaigning skills, rallying support behind his candidacy.

In 1880, Woodson was elected to a four-year term as judge of the circuit court. This role further strengthened his reputation, leading to successive elections as a judge in the newly established Buchanan County Criminal Court in the years that followed.

Although the governor's term was limited to two years by the 1865 Constitution, which constrained Woodson’s ability to fully implement his platform, his annual messages to the General Assembly echoed the values he championed throughout his political career. These messages emphasized respect for the electorate, efficient management of government resources, and fiscal responsibility. Woodson prioritized reforming the judicial system, believing that his extensive experience as a prosecuting attorney, trial lawyer, and circuit judge uniquely qualified him to recommend structural changes to address the significant financial abuses prevalent within the criminal justice system.

Historical Significance

Despite Woodson's relatively brief tenure as governor, he effectively reduced both the state's debt and the tax rate, demonstrating his commitment to fiscal responsibility. However, his time in office was overshadowed by criticism regarding his failure to combat the activities of criminal gangs, particularly the notorious James Brothers—Jesse and Frank—who operated out of St. Joseph. In response to the growing wave of bank and train robberies, Woodson advocated for increased funding to enhance law enforcement efforts. However, his requests went unheeded, as state appropriations proved insufficient to tackle the rising lawlessness.

Amid these challenges, a new Missouri Constitution was adopted following the 1875 Constitutional Convention. This revised constitution aimed to restore the conservative political principles that had defined the state before the Civil War and the 1865 Constitution. One of its key features was the deliberate weakening of the legislative branch while simultaneously increasing the powers of the governor. Although the revised constitution was approved by popular vote, its legitimacy is questionable due to the fact that only 105,000 Missourians participated in the election. This low turnout underscores the political divisions and apathy that were prevalent in the state during this tumultuous period.