Governor John Sappington Marmaduke

JOHN S. MARMADUKE, the son of former Missouri Governor Meredith Miles Marmaduke, was born near Arrow Rock, Missouri on March 14, 1833. His education was attained at Masonic College, Yale University, Harvard University, and at West Point Military Academy, where he graduated in 1857. Marmaduke had a long and distinguished career in the military. From 1858 to 1860 he served as second lieutenant of the 7th Infantry, and fought in several campaigns in the Mormon War. During the Civil War, he resigned his U.S. army commission, and joined ranks with the Confederate army. He fought in several battles, was wounded, captured and later released from prison. After the war, he established a career in the insurance and publishing industries. He also served on the Missouri Railway Commission from 1880 to 1885. Marmaduke first entered politics as an unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate in 1880. However, four years later he secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. He was elected governor on November 4, 1884, and was sworn into office on January 12, 1885. During his tenure, a railroad strike was dealt with and regulations were initiated in the railway industry. While in office, Governor Marmaduke became ill and passed away on December 28, 1887. He was buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.