Nebraska Governor. Born and educated in Marion, Marion County, Ohio William H. James worked as a farmer and store clerk while he studied law. Moving to Iowa in 1853, he continued to read the law until he was admitted to the Bar in 1855. He opened a legal practice first in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and later in Dakota City, Nebraska. James entered politics when he was elected a Dakota City Trustee in 1858, a City Alderman in 1859, and a Justice of the Peace in 1860. He later was elected to two terms as the Dakota County Attorney, and then received the appointment as the Registrar for the United States Land Office. In 1870 he was elected as the Secretary of State for Nebraska. Upon the impeachment of Governor David C. Butler, William H. James assumed the office of Governor of Nebraska, serving from June 2, 1871 until January 13, 1873. James worked throughout his term to rebuild a trusting relationship between the executive and the legislative branches of government. He saw to the creation of several new counties, and worked to establish their local governing systems. He did not seek reelection. After leaving office James moved to Colfax, Washington, where he had received the appointment as the Registrar of the United States Land Office. He died in Colfax on February 1, 1920.
Nebraska Governor. Born and educated in Marion, Marion County, Ohio William H. James worked as a farmer and store clerk while he studied law. Moving to Iowa in 1853, he continued to read the law until he was admitted to the Bar in 1855. He opened a legal practice first in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and later in Dakota City, Nebraska. James entered politics when he was elected a Dakota City Trustee in 1858, a City Alderman in 1859, and a Justice of the Peace in 1860. He later was elected to two terms as the Dakota County Attorney, and then received the appointment as the Registrar for the United States Land Office. In 1870 he was elected as the Secretary of State for Nebraska. Upon the impeachment of Governor David C. Butler, William H. James assumed the office of Governor of Nebraska, serving from June 2, 1871 until January 13, 1873. James worked throughout his term to rebuild a trusting relationship between the executive and the legislative branches of government. He saw to the creation of several new counties, and worked to establish their local governing systems. He did not seek reelection. After leaving office James moved to Colfax, Washington, where he had received the appointment as the Registrar of the United States Land Office. He died in Colfax on February 1, 1920.
Bio by: Ernest
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