William Henry Gleason

William Henry Gleason (June 28, 1829 – November 8, 1902) was an American politician from Florida. He was Florida's second Lieutenant Governor and was very briefly, acting Governor. Early life William Henry Gleason was born in 1829 in Richford, New York. He had an early interest in engineering, banking, law and politics. In 1855, he opened a bank and began to develop the town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1858, he married Sara Griffin from New York. Gleason learned from his banking experience and moved into sales during the Civil War. Florida The issue of slavery concerned Gleason. Having made a name for himself in this area, he was appointed a special agent of the Freeman's Bureau in 1865. His mission was to scout the Florida peninsula as a possible site for a Negro colony. The idea of colonization did not appeal to Gleason. His recommendation against a Negro colony in Florida garnered local political support in future years. Having toured the state for several months, Gleason was one of the first post-war visitors to realize the great potential for business. He rented a schooner and moved his family to the old military post, Fort Dallas, in 1866 (near present-day Miami).