Pennsylvania Governor. Even though he studied law, his interest was in the newspaper business where he was a journeyman printer. He purchased the Lycoming Gazette, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1829. He also co-founded the Keystone Gazette, the Democratic administration newspaper in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1836. He was superintendent of the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal and served as the Canal Commissioner, (1839 to 1842). In addition, he was the Pennsylvania Auditor General, (1842 to 1845) and the first President of the Susquehanna Railroad Company. Entering politics, he was a member of the Pennsylvania State Assembly, (1847 to 1849) and the Pennsylvania State Senate, (1851 to 1852). In 1858, he was elected as a Democrat the 14th Governor of Pennsylvania, serving until 1861. As Governor, he oversaw the sale of what was left of the state-owned canal system, supported his gubernatorial predecessor's new public school department and succeeded in securing passage of legislation requiring state banks to limit note issues to amounts covered by real security deposited with the state. After leaving office, he retired from politics and resumed his newspaper interests until his death.
Pennsylvania Governor. Even though he studied law, his interest was in the newspaper business where he was a journeyman printer. He purchased the Lycoming Gazette, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1829. He also co-founded the Keystone Gazette, the Democratic administration newspaper in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1836. He was superintendent of the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal and served as the Canal Commissioner, (1839 to 1842). In addition, he was the Pennsylvania Auditor General, (1842 to 1845) and the first President of the Susquehanna Railroad Company. Entering politics, he was a member of the Pennsylvania State Assembly, (1847 to 1849) and the Pennsylvania State Senate, (1851 to 1852). In 1858, he was elected as a Democrat the 14th Governor of Pennsylvania, serving until 1861. As Governor, he oversaw the sale of what was left of the state-owned canal system, supported his gubernatorial predecessor's new public school department and succeeded in securing passage of legislation requiring state banks to limit note issues to amounts covered by real security deposited with the state. After leaving office, he retired from politics and resumed his newspaper interests until his death.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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