Portal:Indiana/Selected biography/23

Jonathan Jennings (1784 – July 26, 1834) was a Democratic-Republican governor and congressman from Indiana. Born in Readington, New Jersey, he immigrated to Indiana in 1806 and became the Indiana Territory's representative to Congress for three terms. The leader of the anti-slavery moment in Indiana, Jennings became one of the post popular figures in the territory and served as president of Indiana's constitutional convention where he and his partisans were able to instate a constitutional ban on slavery. After statehood was granted, Jennings was elected to serve as the first Governor of Indiana. After his governorship, he returned to Congress, representing Indiana for five terms.