Kinsley Scott Bingham was born on December 16, 1808, and died on October 5, 1861. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a U.S. Senator, and the 11th Governor of Michigan. He was the first governor from the Republican Party in Michigan's history.

Early life in New York

Bingham, whose first name is sometimes spelled Kingsley, was born in Camillus, New York, in Onondaga County, to Calvin and Betsy (Scott) Bingham, a farming family. He attended public schools and studied law in Syracuse. In 1833, while still living in New York, Bingham married Margaret Warden, who had recently moved to New York with her brother Robert Warden and family from Scotland.

Life and politics in Michigan

In 1833, Bingham moved with his wife to Green Oak Township, Michigan. There, he was allowed to practice law and started a private law practice. In 1834, his only child with Margaret, Kinsley W. Bingham (1838–1908), was born. His wife died four days later. Bingham worked on farms and held several local jobs, including justice of the peace, postmaster, and first judge of the probate court in Livingston County.

In 1837, Bingham became a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives. He was reelected four times and served as speaker of the house from 1838 to 1839 and again in 1842. In 1839, he married Mary Warden, the younger sister of his first wife. In 1840, their only child, James W. Bingham (1840–1862), was born.

In 1846, Bingham was elected as a Democratic Representative from Michigan's 3rd congressional district. He served in the 30th and 31st Congresses from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1851. During the 31st Congress, he led the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of State. He helped secure approval to build the Beaver Island Head Lighthouse on the south end of Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. He strongly opposed the expansion of slavery and was one of the few Democrats who supported the Wilmot Proviso. Bingham did not run for re-election in 1850 and returned to farming. Later, he joined the Free Soil Party and became a Republican.

Gubernatorial and senate career

In 1854, Bingham was chosen as the 11th (and first Republican) governor of Michigan and was re-elected in 1856. He was one of the first Republicans to be elected governor of any state. He was called the farmer-Governor of Michigan and helped create the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan (now known as Michigan State University) and other schools, such as the State Reform School. During his time as governor, a personal liberty law was approved, laws to control the lumber industry were passed, and several new counties and villages were formed. He also served as a delegate from Michigan to the Republican National Convention in 1856, where John C. Fremont was chosen as the Republican candidate for U.S. President. Fremont lost the election to Democrat James Buchanan.

In 1858, Bingham was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate and served in the 36th and 37th Congresses from March 4, 1859, until his death on October 5, 1861. He led the Committee on Enrolled Bills in the 37th Congress. He worked hard to help elect U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

Death and legacy

He passed away in Green Oak while serving in office at the age of 52. He was originally buried in a private family cemetery in Livingston County. Later, his remains were moved to the Old Village Cemetery in Brighton, Michigan.

There are three townships in Michigan named after him:

• Bingham Township, Clinton County, Michigan
• Bingham Township, Huron County, Michigan
• Bingham Township, Leelanau County, Michigan