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Hugh Johnson Anderson
Maine

Gov. Hugh Johnson Anderson

  • January 5, 1844 - April 12, 1847
  • Democratic
  • April 10, 1801
  • May 1, 1881
  • Maine
  • Married Martha J. Dummir; six children
  • Representative

About

HUGH J. ANDERSON, the twentieth governor of Maine, was born in Wiscasset, Maine on May 10, 1801. His education was attained in the common schools of his native state. After the death of his father, Anderson went to work in his uncle’s mercantile store, where he later became part owner. He entered politics in 1824, serving as the clerk of the Waldo County Courts, a position he held until 1836. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1837 to 1841. Anderson won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1843. He won reelection in 1844 and 1845. During his tenure, anti-slavery views were supported. After completing his term, Anderson left office on May 12, 1847. In 1852, he secured an appointment as Commissioner of Customs for the U.S. Treasury Department, a post he held five years. From 1857 to 1859 he served on the Reorganization and Adjustment Commission for the San Francisco Mint operations, and from 1866 to 1869 served as the Sixth Auditor of the Treasury. Governor Hugh J. Anderson passed away on May 31, 1881, and was buried at the Grove Cemetery in Belfast, Maine.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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