Charles Lynch (politician)

Charles Lynch

Charles Lynch (* 1783 ; † February 9, 1853 in Jackson , Mississippi ) was an American politician and twice governor of the state of Mississippi between 1833 and 1838 .

Early years and political advancement

The exact date and place of birth of Charles Lynch are unknown. He came to what was then Mississippi Territory from either Virginia or South Carolina . Sources disagree on this issue. In his new home he worked first as a farmer and then in the public service. In 1821, with no law degree, he was appointed judge of a probate court in Lawrence County . Lynch became a member of the Democratic Party and its local party leader. From 1827 to 1833 he was a member of the Mississippi Senate . During the nullification crisis , he supported President Andrew Jackson against efforts to separate the state of South Carolina.

Mississippi Governor

In 1833, Charles Lynch was President of his state's Senate and, as such, Deputy Governor. The office of vice governor had recently been abolished through a reform of the state constitution. After the death of Governor Abram M. Scott on June 12, 1833, he had to end the remaining term of office by November 30 of the same year. Then the new governor, Hiram Runnels , who was elected in May, was able to take over the post. During this time Lynch tried in vain to implement school reform.

After the end of his brief tenure, he became a member of the Whig Party . As their candidate, he was re-elected to the office of governor on November 2, 1835 with only 426 votes ahead. His second term began on January 7, 1836 and ended on January 8, 1838. On the occasion of his inauguration, the first official inauguration ceremony for governors of Mississippi was held. During his reign, criminal law was tightened and the death penalty extended to many offenses. He also pushed through the construction of a state prison, which was then completed in 1840. The economic crisis of 1837 hit Mississippi hard. Many citizens emigrated to Texas , which had only gained independence from Mexico the previous year . At the end of his term in office, the governor had to grapple with a large budget deficit caused by the crisis. As a result, his popularity declined, whereupon he decided not to run again.

Another résumé

After the end of his governorship, Lynch was president of a railroad company and state commissioner for public buildings for some time. He then retired to his plantation near Jackson, which he managed until his death in 1853. Governor Lynch was buried in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi.

literature

Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME	Lynch, Charles
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	1783
DATE OF DEATH	February 9, 1853
Place of death	Jackson , Mississippi