William Henry Gleason

William Henry Gleason (born June 28, 1829 in New York , †  November 9, 1902 in Eau Gallie , Florida ) was an American politician . Between 1868 and 1870 he was lieutenant governor of the state of Florida.

Career

William Gleason grew up in New York State. He became a lawyer and worked in the banking industry. In 1855 he opened in Eau Claire ( Wisconsin a bank). He was also involved in building this place. During the civil war he worked in trade. In 1865 he was appointed Special Representative for the State of Florida by the Freeman's Bureau . He should explore the area to see if it would be suitable for a colony of ex- African-American slaves. Gleason himself was against this plan, which then did not materialize. During his explorations in Florida, he realized that there was great business potential in the area, which he was also exploiting for himself. He brought his family to this state and started working in the real estate industry. At the same time he embarked on a political career as a member of the Republican Party during the reconstruction period .

In 1868, Gleason was elected Lieutenant Governor of Florida alongside Harrison Reed . He held this office between 1868 and 1870. He was Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Senate . During a failed impeachment trial against the governor, he sparked controversy for declaring himself incumbent governor. In the sources there are different statements as to whether he then had to give up his office as lieutenant governor on December 14, 1868, or whether he continued to do so until 1870.

After serving as Lieutenant Governor, William Gleason stayed in Florida. He has been involved in various business projects. In June 1872 he took part as a delegate to the Republican National Convention , on which President Ulysses S. Grant was nominated for re-election. Eight years later he was a substitute delegate to the Republican congress. Between 1871 and 1875 he was an MP in the Florida House of Representatives . He died on November 9, 1902 in Eau Gallie, which is now a suburb of the city of Melbourne.

Web links

• William Henry Gleason in the database of Find a Grave (English)
• The Political Graveyard