Trusten Polk

Trusten W. Polk (May 29, 1811 – April 16, 1876) was an American politician. He served as 12th governor of Missouri in 1857, and was a member of the United States Senate from Missouri, from 1857 to 1862.

Early life and law career Polk was born on May 29, 1811, in Bridgeville, Delaware, to William Nutter Polk and Levinia Causey Polk. He was a member of the Polk family and distant cousin of President James K. Polk. He first attended common schools, graduating from Yale College in 1831. He planned to become a minister, though his father suggested he become a lawyer. He studied law under Delaware Attorney General James Rogers and attended Yale Law School for two years. In 1835, he was admitted to the bar.

In 1835, Polk moved to St. Louis. There, he practiced law, serving as St. Louis City Counselor in 1843.

Political career and military service Polk also involved himself in politics as a Democrat. In 1845, was a delegate to the Missouri State constitutional convention, then in 1848 was a Missouri Democratic presidential elector. He was a slaveowner and was the first Missouri Governor to actively support slavery, though he more actively supported it while in the Senate. He is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery.