He received his education at Fryeburg Academy, and was an honored Trustee of this school, as his father previously had been both a Trustee and Treasurer of this Academy for many years. It was the wish of the father that his son should turn his thoughts to the law, and thus become a professional man; but business, mercantile life, and speculation early engaged his attention, which later gave way to a deeper interest in politics and affairs of State.
Governor Dana was more than ordinarily successful in the offices and political honors which he sought. He was a member of both branches of the Legislature, being a member of the Senate in the years 1843 and 1844, the latter year holding the office of President of that body. He was a thorough Parliamentarian, presiding with dignity, but rarely taking part in debate. He was chosen Governor for three successive terms, in 1847, 1848, and 1849. He was appointed Minister to Bolivia by President Pierce, where he performed the delicate duties of Ambassador with credit to himself and honor to his country.
After the war broke out, during its progress, and at its close, the Governor took a somewhat sombre view of the situation and the country's future. He sold his property in Fryeburg, and his wife dying, he went to South America and went into the business of sheep-raising. He had been there but a short time when, acting as nurse in a plague stricken district, he fell a victim to the ravages of the cholera, dying near Buenos Ayres, December 22, 1867.
There were elements of great attractiveness in the character of Governor Dana. His urbanity and kindliness of heart were prominent traits which enabled him to win and to hold a large circle of friends. Blest with a competence of worldly goods, and surrounded by a most interesting family, his home life was a model of comfort and domestic tranquility.
Several years after his death his remains were brought to Fryeburg, where they repose beside those of his ancestors, in the village cemetery, in plain view of his own and his ancestral home.
He received his education at Fryeburg Academy, and was an honored Trustee of this school, as his father previously had been both a Trustee and Treasurer of this Academy for many years. It was the wish of the father that his son should turn his thoughts to the law, and thus become a professional man; but business, mercantile life, and speculation early engaged his attention, which later gave way to a deeper interest in politics and affairs of State.
Governor Dana was more than ordinarily successful in the offices and political honors which he sought. He was a member of both branches of the Legislature, being a member of the Senate in the years 1843 and 1844, the latter year holding the office of President of that body. He was a thorough Parliamentarian, presiding with dignity, but rarely taking part in debate. He was chosen Governor for three successive terms, in 1847, 1848, and 1849. He was appointed Minister to Bolivia by President Pierce, where he performed the delicate duties of Ambassador with credit to himself and honor to his country.
After the war broke out, during its progress, and at its close, the Governor took a somewhat sombre view of the situation and the country's future. He sold his property in Fryeburg, and his wife dying, he went to South America and went into the business of sheep-raising. He had been there but a short time when, acting as nurse in a plague stricken district, he fell a victim to the ravages of the cholera, dying near Buenos Ayres, December 22, 1867.
There were elements of great attractiveness in the character of Governor Dana. His urbanity and kindliness of heart were prominent traits which enabled him to win and to hold a large circle of friends. Blest with a competence of worldly goods, and surrounded by a most interesting family, his home life was a model of comfort and domestic tranquility.
Several years after his death his remains were brought to Fryeburg, where they repose beside those of his ancestors, in the village cemetery, in plain view of his own and his ancestral home.
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