Philemon Dickerson

Philemon Dickerson (born June 26, 1788 in Succasunna , Morris County , New Jersey , †  December 10, 1862 in Paterson , New Jersey) was an American lawyer and politician and governor of New Jersey from 1836 to 1837 . Both before and after his governorship, he represented this state as a member of the US House of Representatives . He was also a federal judge in the federal district court for the district of New Jersey.

Early years and political advancement

Philemon Dickerson was the brother of Mahlon Dickerson , who was Governor of New Jersey from 1815 to 1817 and US Senator for that state from 1817 to 1833 . Philemon attended the University of Pennsylvania until 1808 . After a subsequent law degree, he was admitted to the bar in 1813, whereupon he began to practice in Paterson.

Between 1821 and 1822 Dickerson was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly . He became a member of the Democratic Party founded by President Andrew Jackson . In 1832 he was elected as a member of Congress . He exercised this mandate between March 4, 1833 and November 3, 1836. That day he resigned because he had meanwhile been elected governor of his state.

Governor and Congressman

Dickerson's year-long tenure was overshadowed by an economic downturn and fierce domestic political clashes in New Jersey. After his governorship ended, he was re-elected to Congress in 1838. Between March 4, 1839 and March 3, 1841 he completed a legislative period there. An attempted re-election failed in 1840.

Between 1841 and 1851 Philemon Dickerson succeeded his brother Mahlon as a judge at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey . He was also chairman of the Paterson City Council. Dickerson died in 1862. He had two children with his wife, Sidney Stotesbury.

Web links

• Philemon Dickerson at the National Governors Association (English)
• Philemon Dickerson in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
• Philemon Dickerson in the database of Find a Grave (English)