Stephen P. Hempstead

Stephen P. Hempstead (born October 1, 1812 in New London , Connecticut , † February 16, 1883 in Dubuque , Iowa ) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and from 1850 to 1854 the 2nd governor of the state of Iowa.

Early Years and Advancement in Iowa

Stephen Hempstead attended local schools in his home country and then attended Illinois College in Jacksonville for two years . After a private law degree, which he completed with his uncle, he was admitted to the bar in 1836. Hempstead then moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked in his new profession.

During the Black Hawk War , Hempstead fought against the Indians. His political ascent began in 1838. At that time he was elected to the Territorial Government Council ( Legislative Council ). He held this office until 1848. He was also a member of the Iowa Constituent Assembly. In 1850 he was elected the new governor of his state.

Governor of Iowa

Stephen Hempstead took up his new office on December 4, 1850. During his four-year tenure, Iowa created 52 new counties . Under Hempstead a thrifty budget was pursued. At that time, the state constitution, drawn up in 1846, was officially put into effect. The governor also encouraged the influx of new settlers into his state.

Another résumé

After his tenure was over, Hempstead was back in law. Between 1855 and 1867 he was a district judge in Dubuque County . From 1869 to 1873 he was auditor ( auditor ) in Iowa and from 1882 until his death in February 1883 he was justice of the peace. Stephen Hempstead was married to Lavinia Moore Lackland, with whom he had six children.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Stephen Hempstead at the National Governors Association (English)
• Stephen P. Hempstead in the database of Find a Grave (English)