N. B. Willey

N. B. Willey
Willey as depicted in 1904's National Cyclopaedia of American Biography.
2nd Governor of Idaho
In office December 18, 1890 – January 2, 1893
Lieutenant	John S. Gray
Preceded by	George L. Shoup
Succeeded by	William J. McConnell
1st Lieutenant Governor of Idaho
In office October 1, 1890 – December 18, 1890
Governor	George L. Shoup
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	John S. Gray
Personal details
Born	(1838-03-25)March 25, 1838 Guilford, New York
Died	October 20, 1921(1921-10-20) (aged 83) Topeka, Kansas
Political party	Republican
Residence	Warren, Idaho
Profession	Mining
Religion	Protestant

Norman Bushnell Willey (March 25, 1838 – October 20, 1921) was the second Governor of Idaho from 1890 until 1893.

Born in Guilford, New York, Willey was educated at the Delaware Literary Institute in Franklin, New York.

Willey moved to California at the age of twenty where he began his career in the mining industry. He followed the Gold rush to Idaho in 1864; after working some time there, he was promoted to the position of superintendent of lode mine. During his lengthy tenure in that position, he began a political career. Elected as Superintendent of Schools, he was not reelected in 1868.

Willey was elected to Idaho's legislative assembly in 1872, held the position until 1873. Reelected in 1878, he served as Council President in 1879, and continued in office as a House Member until 1889. This was a remarkable achievement, as he was one of the few on the council who opposed the effort to reunite North Idaho with Washington State. In 1888, he was not reelected for a third term. During his two terms, he became friends with Milton Kelly – a former supreme court justice who had become a prominent newspaper editor. This led to a career in the field of journalism, where his reports as mine superintendent and state correspondent found wide audience.

In 1890, another opportunity arose for Willey in politics when Idaho gained admission as a state. Although Idaho at the time preferred to have a senator, they were granted a governor. George Shoup was chosen to serve as governor; however, he only agreed to do so once he was assured that his service would end as governor in late 1890, and that he would then become a senator. Shoup arranged Willey's election as Lieutenant Governor, which assured him the position of Governor for the state after Shoup had vacated the position. He continued to serve as governor until 1892, where he was ousted by other political factions.

Willey died on October 20, 1921. He is interred at Auburn Cemetery, Shawnee County, Kansas USA.