This formal portrait represents John Whitnah Leedy, 1849-1935, Civil War veteran from LeRoy, Kansas. Actively involved in the development of Kansas politics, he embraces Republican values until he changes, in 1872, to the Democrat party. In 1890 Leedy will change party affiliations once again by joining the People's Party; better know as the Populist party. Leedy is elected, in 1892, as a Populist to the Kansas Senate. A position he serves from 1893-1895. Recognized as a notable name in Kansas politics, he accepts the nomination of Kansas governor. Leedy is elected as a Populist and the fourteenth governor, in 1896, defeating Governor Edmund Needham Morrill. Leedy is a one term governor serving from January 11, 1897 to January 09, 1899. His administration is noted for establishing the School Textbook Commission, the State printing plant and the State grain commission.