St. Peter is known for many things – historic downtown, the Pearly Gates, the 1998 tornado, and the home of five governors (though we’d argue that number is higher). However, while many know the story of the governors, not many know Nicollet County is also home to officials from other offices, such as Lieutenant Governor. One man who held that office was Gideon Ives.
Gideon Sprague Ives was born in Dickinson, New York, on January 19th, 1846. Gideon was the sixth and final son of pioneer-descended parents from the East Coast. At 18, he enlisted in the Fiftieth New York Volunteer Infantry and served in the Civil War until 1865.
After completing law school in Michigan in 1871, Ives traveled westward. On his way to Mankato, Ives ended up in St. Peter and was delayed traveling further. His decision to stay launched a career that led him through many years of political and fraternal organization work.
Over several years, Ives served as St. Peter’s city clerk, city attorney, mayor, and County Attorney for Nicollet County.
In 1878, Ives married Mary E. Swift. Mary is the daughter of Minnesota’s third governor, Henry Swift, also from St. Peter.
Ives entered Minnesota state politics in 1887 when he was elected to the state senate. He served as State Senator in 1887 and 1889 and was a leader in that body. He led the land grant fight against the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. In addition, he was generally credited with saving the University of Minnesota from division.
In 1890 Ives was elected Lt. Governor under William R. Merriam. He served during the 1891 session. In 1892 he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor but was defeated by Knute Nelson.
In 1903 Gideon Ives and his family moved to St. Paul and practiced law there until his death on December 20th, 1927.
Pictured is a portrait of Gideon S. Ives and his granddaughter, Ruth Livingston Ives, taken around 1925.
Gideon Ives was more than a political figure, though. In 1909 he was appointed the first-ever Referee in Bankruptcy.
Ives was also a service-oriented man. He always took an active interest in Fraternal Lodge affairs. For many years Ives was both a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He was also involved in the Minnesota State Historical Society and was president from March 1918 to January 1921.
In addition, Ives was an active member and past president of the Minnesota Society, Sons of the American Revolution. He was always interested in the Grand Army of the Republic and was elected State Commander of the G. A. R. in 1900.
