Joel Aldrich Matteson

Joel Aldrich Matteson (born August 8, 1808 in Watertown , Jefferson County , New York , † January 31, 1873 in Chicago , Illinois ) was an American politician and from 1853 to 1857 the tenth governor of the state of Illinois.

Early years and political advancement

Joel Matteson attended local schools in his home country. Before arriving in Illinois, he was an elementary school teacher in New York State; after that he helped with the railway construction in the south. In 1837 he settled in Joliet, Illinois. There he ran a weaving mill, among other things. Between 1842 and 1853 Matteson was an MP in the Illinois House of Representatives . After he had been nominated by the Democratic Party as a candidate for the gubernatorial election of 1852, he won it on November 2nd.

Illinois Governor

Matteson's four-year term began on January 10, 1853. As governor, he campaigned for an improved school system. In 1853, Illinois Wesleyan University was founded in Bloomington . Also in 1853 the first Illinois State Exhibition took place. The governor encouraged the further expansion of the railroad in his state. The Alton Penitentiary expanded and the Illinois Agricultural Society was established. During his tenure, the Republican Party was founded, which was soon to provide the governors of Illinois for many years. In May 1856, the party's first regional convention was held in Illinois. The first Republican President Abraham Lincoln also had his political roots in Illinois. Matteson was the last Democratic governor until 1893.

Further life

Since Matteson could not be re-elected directly due to a constitutional clause, he left office on January 12, 1857. He then became president of the Chicago and Alton Railroad . Joel Matteson died in January 1873. He was married to Mary Fish, with whom he had seven children.

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personal data
SURNAME	Matteson, Joel Aldrich
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	August 8, 1808
PLACE OF BIRTH	Watertown , New York
DATE OF DEATH	January 31, 1873
Place of death	Chicago , Illinois