James McDowell

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James McDowell

James McDowell (born October 13, 1795 in Rockbridge County , Virginia , †  August 24, 1851 in Lexington , Virginia) was an American politician and governor of Virginia from 1843 to 1846 . Between 1846 and 1851 he represented this state in the US House of Representatives .

Early years

James McDowell enjoyed a classical education. Among other things, he studied at what is now Washington and Lee University , Yale University and Princeton University , where he graduated in 1817. McDowell then studied law and was also admitted to the bar, but without ever taking up this profession.

Political career

McDowell joined the Democratic Party founded by Andrew Jackson . Between 1831 and 1835 and again in 1838 he was a member of the Virginia House of Representatives . Between January 5, 1843 and January 1, 1846 he was governor of his state. During this time, a law was passed that introduced a free school system in every district after two-thirds of voters approved it. In addition, McDowell's tenure marked the beginning of the Mexican-American War , to which Virginia also had to make its contribution. After William Taylor's death , McDowell was elected to succeed him in Congress . He exercised this mandate after two re-elections between March 6, 1846 and March 3, 1851.

Another résumé

After the end of his term in the House of Representatives, McDowell withdrew from politics. He died in the same year on his estate "Col Alto" near Lexington. He had nine children with his wife, Susanna Smith Preston. His daughter Sally was married to Francis Thomas , who was governor of Maryland between 1842 and 1845 and represented this state twice in the US House of Representatives, until her divorce . In addition, Governor McDowell was related by marriage to US Senator Thomas Hart Benton from Missouri .

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personal data
SURNAME McDowell, James
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician
DATE OF BIRTH October 13, 1795
PLACE OF BIRTH Rockbridge County , Virginia
DATE OF DEATH August 24, 1851
Place of death near Lexington , Virginia