James Weston

James Weston portrait

James Adams Weston

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth August 27, 1827
Date of Death May 8, 1895 (Age: 67)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

James Weston began his career on a family farm in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was educated at district school, Manchester Academy, and Piscataquog Academy. At 19, he was appointed assistant civil engineer of the Concord Railroad, eventually rising to Chief Engineer. Weston surveyed and superintended the construction of the Concord water-works and held various roles for multiple railroads. He served multiple terms as mayor of Manchester and was twice elected governor, during which he authorized a significant railroad merger and supported infrastructure development.

Political Ideas

James Weston's political career is marked by a strategic blend of infrastructure development and calculated electoral maneuvers. His advocacy for significant railroad mergers and water-works construction reflects a focus on economic modernization. However, his controversial use of constitutional power to invalidate ballots in the 1875 State Senate race, justified by technicalities, reveals a willingness to employ unorthodox methods to secure political objectives. This tension between progressive economic policies and contentious governance practices makes Weston's approach both intriguing and complex.

Campaigns
1874: New Hampshire State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 1874

35,608 votes (49.53%)

Win
1873: New Hampshire State Governor

Election History

New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 1873

32,016 votes (47.20%)

Loss

Winner: Ezekiel Straw

1872: New Hampshire State Governor

Election History

New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 1872

36,584 votes (47.99%)

Loss

Winner: Ezekiel Straw

1871: New Hampshire State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 1871

34,700 votes (49.76%)

Win