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Silas H. Jension
Vermont

Gov. Silas H. Jension

  • November 2, 1835 - October 15, 1841
  • Whig
  • May 17, 1791
  • September 30, 1849
  • Vermont
  • Married Merillai (Bush) Jension; two children

About

SILAS H. JENISON was born in Shoreham, Vermont-the first Vermont-born governor of the state. Largely self-educated, he learned surveying, a profession that he pursued along with his political career. He represented Shoreham in the Vermont legislature from 1826 to 1831 and was an Addison County Court judge and a member of the Executive Council from 1829 to 1835. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1835 and was named Acting Governor the same year when the people failed to elect a governor. He was elected governor for the next five years but declined renomination by the Whig party in 1841. After leaving office, Jenison became a Judge of Probate, remaining in the position until 1847. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1843. He died and was buried in his home town.

Source

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

The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 8. New York: James T. White & Company.

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