James Wright Gordon

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J. Wright Gordon
J Wright Gordon.JPG
3rd Governor of Michigan
In office
February 23, 1841 – January 3, 1842
Lieutenant Thomas J. Drake
Preceded by William Woodbridge
Succeeded by John S. Barry
Personal details
Born 1809
Plainfield, Connecticut
Died December 1853 (aged 43–44)
Pernambuco, Brazil
Political party Whig
Religion  ?

James Wright Gordon (1809 – December 1853), usually referred to as J. Wright Gordon, was a Whig politician from the U.S. state of Michigan.

Gordon was born in Plainfield, Connecticut and studied law.

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[edit] Life and politics in Michigan

He later moved to Michigan, establishing a practice in Marshall, and also lived for a time in Battle Creek. He was a member of the Michigan State Senate (6th district) in 1839 and served as the second Lieutenant Governor from 1840 to 1841.

Gordon became the third Governor of Michigan ex officio, when William Woodbridge resigned on February 23, 1841, to become a U.S. Senator. He completed the remainder of Woodbridge's term, until January 3, 1842.

He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Representative from Michigan's 2nd congressional district in 1846 and 1847, being defeated by John Smith Chipman.

[edit] Death in Brazil

Gordon was U.S. Consul in Pernambuco, Brazil from 1850 to 1853 and died at the age of 44, while in office, when he accidentally fell to his death from a second-story balcony.

J. Wright Gordon is interred in Brazil.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Edward Mundy
Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
1840–1841
Succeeded by
Thomas J. Drake
Preceded by
William Woodbridge
Governor of Michigan
1841–1842
Succeeded by
John S. Barry