James Addams Beaver

James Addams Beaver, 1908

James Addams Beaver (born October 21, 1837 in Millerstown , Perry County , Pennsylvania , † January 31, 1914 in Bellefonte , Pennsylvania) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1887 to 1891 the 20th governor of the state of Pennsylvania.

Early years and political advancement

James Beaver attended Jefferson College in Canonsburg until 1856 . After studying law, he was admitted to the bar in 1859. During the civil war he rose from first lieutenant to brigadier general in the Union army. He took part in several battles and was wounded several times. In 1864 he lost his right leg.

After the Civil War, Beaver worked as a lawyer. At the same time, he was named major general of the National Guard by Governor John White Geary in 1867 . In this capacity he became commander of the 5th Division of the Guard. He held this position until 1887. Until 1882 he did not seek political office. In 1880 he was offered the Republican nomination for vice-presidential nomination, which he declined. Chester A. Arthur , nominated in his place , later became US President after the assassination of James A. Garfield . In 1882 Beaver was then put up by his party as a candidate for the gubernatorial election. In the elections he was defeated by the Democrat Robert Pattison . Four years later, Pattison was not allowed to run again directly because of a constitutional clause. The Republicans again nominated Beaver, this time elected governor.

Governor of Pennsylvania

James Beaver took office on January 18, 1887. During his four-year tenure, the country's roads were expanded and the school system improved. The budget deficit has also been reduced. Beaver advocated a gentle treatment of nature, especially in the forests and in the waters. He supported the abstinence movement . After a severe flood that struck the city of Johnstown , the governor arranged for rapid relief for the victims. After the end of his term of office, Beaver was not allowed to run again directly because of the constitutional clause. Therefore, he had to resign on January 20, 1891 from his office and hand over the office to his predecessor Pattison, who also became his successor.

After his tenure ended, Beaver became President of the Blubacker Coal Company . From 1895 until his death in 1914 he was a judge on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ( First Superior Court ). James Beaver was married to Mary Allison McAllister, with whom he had five children.

literature

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

Web links

• James Addams Beaver in the database of the National Governors Association (English)
• The governors of Pennsylvania (English)
• James Addams Beaver in the database of Find a Grave (English)