James Whitcomb

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James Whitcomb

James Whitcomb (born December 1, 1795 in Rochester , Windsor County , Vermont , †  October 4, 1852 in New York City , New York ) was an American politician and between 1843 and 1848 the eighth governor of Indiana . He also represented this state in the US Senate from 1849 to 1852 .

Early years and political advancement

James Whitcomb moved to Kentucky with his parents as a child. There he studied at Transylvania University . After completing a law degree, he settled in Fayette County before moving to Bloomington , Indiana in 1824 . As a member of the Democratic Party , he sat in the Indiana Senate between 1830 and 1836 . In 1936, President Andrew Jackson appointed him Agent for the United States' General Land Office . He held this office until 1841. In 1842 Whitcomb secured his party's nomination for the gubernatorial election. In this he then sat on August 7, 1843 against incumbent Samuel Bigger of the Whig Party .

Governor and US Senator

Whitcomb took office on December 6, 1843. In 1846 he was elected to a second term. During his tenure he campaigned for the disabled. At that time a hospital for the mentally handicapped was established. Schools were also built for the deaf and mute. In connection with the Mexican-American War that broke out in those years , five infantry regiments were recruited in Indiana and sent to aid the army. Governor Whitcomb managed to overcome the severe economic crisis in Indiana over the past few years. He was able to drastically reduce the resulting national debt and restore confidence in politics.

After he was elected to the US Senate, Whitcomb resigned on December 26, 1848 from the office of governor. He then remained in Congress until his death in 1852 , where he served on two committees. He was married to Ann Renick Hurst, with whom he had a child.

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personal data
SURNAME Whitcomb, James
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician
DATE OF BIRTH December 1, 1795
PLACE OF BIRTH Rochester , Windsor County , Vermont
DATE OF DEATH October 4, 1852
Place of death New York City , New York