Joseph Lane

Joseph Lane (December 14, 1801 – April 19, 1881) was an American politician and soldier. He was a state legislator representing Evansville, Indiana, and then served in the Mexican–American War, becoming a general and commanding the 2nd Indiana Volunteers. President James K. Polk appointed Lane as the first governor of Oregon Territory. When Oregon was admitted as a state in 1859, Lane was elected one of Oregon's first two U.S. senators.

In the 1860 United States presidential election, Lane was nominated for vice president of the Southern wing of the Democratic Party, as John C. Breckinridge's running mate.

One of his sons was later elected U.S. Representative, and a grandson U.S. Senator, making Lane the patriarch of one of the state's most prominent political families.