Governor of the New Mexico Territory. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Herbert James Hagerman was the son of industrialist and railroad tycoon, James John Hagerman. Though born into wealth, the younger Hagerman was taught the values of hard work, and was employed at his Father's ranch near Roswell, New Mexico. He enrolled in Cornell University, earned his law degree, and joined the Colorado Bar to be closer to his father's mining interests. In 1898 he was given the unique opportunity to become the Secretary to the United States Embassy in Russia, a position he held until 1901. Working closely with Ambassador Ethan Hitchcock, Hagerman impressed his boss with his abilities and his eagerness to stem any waste or corruption. Hitchcock was soon recalled to Washington to join the Presidential Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior. In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt was attempting to curb the political corruption which was rampant in the New Mexico Territory, and Secretary Hitchcock suggested Hagerman as a candidate for Governor. Roosevelt and Hagerman had much in common, and they shared a disdain for political dishonesty. The President appointed Hagerman as Governor of the New Mexico Territory on January 10, 1906. Hagerman was strongly opposed by the political bosses in New Mexico, and they did not look favorably on anyone targeting their political machine. A smear campaign was launched against the young Governor, and most of his reforms were blocked. A long list of spurious charges were brought against Hagerman and sent in a report to the President. Although the President was aware the charges were false and politically motivated, the usually progressive Theodore Roosevelt sided with the corrupt political machine and asked for Governor Hagerman to resign. The White House was inundated with letters and telegrams from the citizens of New Mexico asking the President to reconsider, but this campaign of support only seemed to further entrench Roosevelt. Governor Hagerman left office on May 3, 1907, having served less than 16 months. Hagerman returned to the practice of law in Santa Fe and Roswell, never having been found guilty of any political malfeasance, and always retaining the support of the citizens of New Mexico.