Massachusetts Governor. Attending the Gorham Academy, he graduated from Bowdoin College, in 1831, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1840 and then established a successful legal practice in Boston. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in 1858. In 1860, he was elected as a Republican the 26th Governor of Massachusetts, serving two terms until 1866. As a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War, he was credited for raising Union volunteers for the war effort as well as arms and provisions. Plus he was noted for organizing the famed 54th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all black troop unit of its kind. After his term, he retired from political life and returned to his legal career until his death of apoplexy at age 49.

Massachusetts Governor. Attending the Gorham Academy, he graduated from Bowdoin College, in 1831, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1840 and then established a successful legal practice in Boston. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in 1858. In 1860, he was elected as a Republican the 26th Governor of Massachusetts, serving two terms until 1866. As a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War, he was credited for raising Union volunteers for the war effort as well as arms and provisions. Plus he was noted for organizing the famed 54th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all black troop unit of its kind. After his term, he retired from political life and returned to his legal career until his death of apoplexy at age 49.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith