Green Oak Township near Brighton in Livingston County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kinsley S. Bingham
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 27, 2017
1. Kinsley S. Bingham Marker
Twenty-five year old Kinsley Bingham left his New York home in 1833 saying: "Give me $500 and let me go to Michigan and I'll be governor in two years." He settled here, constructing this handsome Greek Revival house in 1842. Bingham's boast was not exaggerated, since he was elected to the legislature in 1836, serving five terms, and was U.S. Congressman from 1847 to 1851. Adamantly opposed to slavery, he broke from the Democratic Party of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. The Republican Party chose Bingham as its candidate for governor in Jackson's famous "Under the Oaks" convention of 1854. Six months later he took office as the nation's first Republican governor, and in 1856 he was reelected. Chosen U.S. Senator in 1859, Bingham died here on October 5, 1861.
Erected 1973 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S406.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 5, 1861.
Location. 42° 29.861′ N, 83° 41.021′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Homesite of Kinsley S. Bingham (within shouting distance of this marker); That Dammed River (approx. 1.9 miles away); What Happened Here? (approx. 2.3 miles away); William F. Hopkins (approx. 2.3 miles away); Bubbling Waters (approx. 2.4 miles away); Spanish-American War Regiments (approx. 2.8 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); Washburn School (approx. 3.3 miles
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 27, 2017
2. Kinsley S. Bingham Marker and House
Also see . . . Kinsley S. Bingham. Excerpt:
Bingham moved with his wife, in 1833 to Green Oak Township, Michigan where he was admitted to the bar and began a private practice. In 1834, his only child with Margaret, Kinsley W. Bingham (18381908), was born and his wife died four days later. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and held a number of local offices including justice of the peace, postmaster, and first judge of the probate court of Livingston County.(Submitted on November 16, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Photographed by Matthew Brady, October 5, 1861
3. Kinsley S. Bingham
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 850 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 27, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on November 16, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.
