William Thomas Hamilton

William Thomas Hamilton (born September 8, 1820 in Washington County , Maryland , † October 26, 1888 in Hagerstown , Maryland) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and from 1880 to 1884 governor of the state of Maryland. Between 1849 and 1875 he represented his state with interruptions in both chambers of Congress .

Early years and political advancement

William Hamilton attended Hagerstown Academy and what is now Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania . After completing a law degree, he was admitted to the bar in 1843. Then he began to work in Hagerstown in his new profession.

In 1846 he was elected to the Maryland House of Representatives. Between 1849 and 1855 he represented his state in the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC There he supported the import tariffs because they were a welcome source of income. In Congress he was at that time also chairman of the committee for the administration of the federal district ( District of Columbia ). In the years 1855 to 1868 Hamilton withdrew temporarily from politics and worked as a lawyer and farmer in Hagerstown.

US Senator and Governor

In 1868, Hamilton was elected to the US Senate . He succeeded William Pinkney Whyte as Class 1 Senator and served this mandate between March 4, 1869 and March 3, 1875. In the Senate he campaigned for the restoration of the sovereignty of the southern states. He also voted against the 15th Amendment , which legally enshrined the right to vote for the black population. In 1871 he supported his predecessor Whyte when he successfully applied for the office of governor of Maryland. Later, however, he fell out with him. In 1874 he was not nominated by his party for another term in the Senate. His seat again went to William Whyte. Instead, Hamilton ran in the gubernatorial election of 1875, in which he was defeated by John Lee Carroll .

Four years later he won the gubernatorial election and was able to exercise this office between January 14, 1880 and January 9, 1884. His term in office was overshadowed by a conflict with the legislature. As a result, he was unable to implement his planned reforms.

Another résumé

After the end of his governorship, Hamilton retired from politics and devoted himself to his private affairs. He continued to work as a lawyer. William Hamilton died in October 1888. He had eight children with his wife Clara Holmes Jenness.

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personal data
SURNAME	Hamilton, William Thomas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician, governor of Maryland
DATE OF BIRTH	September 8, 1820
PLACE OF BIRTH	Washington County , Maryland
DATE OF DEATH	October 26, 1888
Place of death	Hagerstown , Maryland