Henry Benjamin Whipple biography at QuotationFun

A Short Biography of Henry Benjamin Whipple

Author Name:

Henry Benjamin Whipple

Born As:

Henry Benjamin Whipple

Other Names:

Born:

15 Feb 1822

Died:

16 Sep 1902




author picture
First Episcopal bishop of Minnesota                          
Champion the cause of Native American groups in the state against  abusive and corrupt Federal policy towards Indians. Henry Wipple's clemency pleas against the United States government in the Sioux Uprising in the area around New Ulm, Minnesota.

The largest mass execution in U.S. history occurred in Mankato following the Dakota War of 1862. Thirty-eight Dakota Amerindians were hanged for participation in the uprising.

A total of 303 were sentenced to be hanged but President Lincoln pardoned 265 at the urging of Bishop Whipple. Lincoln's intervention was not popular at the time. Two commemorative statues are located on the site of the hangings.  He was referred to as "Straight Tongue" by Dakota Indians because of his honesty in dealing with them.