"Louis Kossuth Church was the first Democratic governor of Dakota Territory. His political career began in 1882 in the New York state legislature, where he and Republican Theodore Roosevelt became friends and allies. Together these two young legislators helped then New York governor Grover Cleveland defeat the forces of Tammany Hall.

When Cleveland became president, he remembered Church's political assistance. He appointed Church judge of the Third District of Dakota Territory in 1885. Two years later, he appointed Church governor of Dakota Territory. Church remained in office until Cleveland was succeeded by Harrison as president."

Source: State Historical Society of North Dakota, https://www.history.nd.gov/exhibits/governors/tgovernors9.html