James Hamilton Peabody

James Peabody

James Hamilton Peabody (born August 21, 1852 in Topsham , Orange County , Vermont , † November 23, 1917 in Cañon City , Colorado ) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1903 to 1905 the 13th  governor of the state of Colorado .

Early years and political advancement

James Peabody attended public schools in his home country. He then graduated from commercial schools in Barre and Burlington . After moving to Colorado, he took part in a general store in Cañon City from 1875. After marrying the owner's daughter, he took over the shop from his father-in-law in 1882.

Between 1885 and 1889 Peabody served in the Fremont County county government. He was also involved in the founding of the First National Bank of Cañon City , of which he became president in 1891. He was also the head of the city's local electricity supplier. In Cañon City he was treasurer, councilor and mayor for two years. In 1902 he was elected the new governor of his state, with 47:43 percent of the vote against the Democrat E. C. Stimson.

Governor of colorado

James Peabody took up his new office on January 13, 1903. His entire two-year term was overshadowed by industrial disputes and strikes in the mining industry. It concerned the miners' salaries and the recognition of the trade unions as representatives of the workers. The governor often used the National Guard in these clashes to restore calm to the country. Nevertheless, there were occasional violent riots. In the dispute the governor sided with the employers, which cost him re-election in 1904. In addition, the workers were able to book a success through the strikes in that the eight-hour day could be enforced in the mining industry.

The gubernatorial election in 1904 took place under scandalous conditions. First, the former governor Alva Adams was declared the election winner as the candidate of the Democratic Party. So Peabody resigned on January 10, 1905 from his office. But Peabody challenged the January 12 election for alleged electoral fraud. As it turned out later, this was committed by both sides. The Colorado Supreme Court agreed not to account for those constituencies in which electoral fraud had occurred, while indications of Republican electoral fraud were ignored. This was the only way to determine a lead for Peabody. Given the situation, the Democrats decided to prevent at least Peabody from becoming governor. It was agreed that Peabody would only be sworn in as governor if he was ready to resign immediately. With Peabody's swearing in on March 16, 1905, Adams was relieved of his office. Immediately after Peabody's resignation the following day, Lieutenant Governor Jesse Fuller McDonald was sworn in as the new governor. This process had a negative aftertaste and damaged Colorado's reputation.

After the end of his governorship, Peabody withdrew from politics. He returned to Cañon City and devoted himself to various personal interests. James Peabody died in November 1917. He had four children with his wife, Frances Clelland.

literature

• Marjorie Hornbein, Three Governors in a Day. In: The Colorado Magazine 45, No. 3: 243-260 (1968).

Web links

• James H. Peabody Collection in the Colorado State Archives. (PDF)
• James Peabody at the National Governors Association (English)
• James Hamilton Peabody in the database of Find a Grave (English)