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James Wright Gordon
Michigan

Gov. James Wright Gordon

  • February 23, 1841 - January 3, 1842
  • Whig
  • January 1, 1809
  • December 1, 1853
  • Connecticut
  • Harvard University
  • Succeeded
  • Ambassador

About

J. WRIGHT GORDON, the third governor of Michigan, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut in 1809. His education was attained at Harvard University. He later studied law in New York, and then established his legal career in Marshall, Michigan. Gordon entered politics in 1839, serving as a member of the Michigan State Senate. He also served as the lieutenant governor of Michigan from 1840 to 1841. On February 23, 1841, Governor William Woodbridge resigned from office, and Gordon, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, the Grand Lodge of Free Masons was restructured. After completing his term, Gordon left office on January 3, 1842. He later served as the U.S. Consul to Brazil, a position he held from 1850 until his death in 1853. Governor J. Wright Gordon passed away when he accidentally fell from a balcony in Brazil.

(Note: exact dates of birth and death or not known)

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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