James Wright Gordon

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

James Wright Gordon
3rd Governor of Michigan
In office
February 23, 1841  January 3, 1842
LieutenantThomas J. Drake
Preceded byWilliam Woodbridge
Succeeded byJohn S. Barry
2nd Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
In office
January 7, 1840  February 23, 1841
GovernorWilliam Woodbridge
Preceded byEdward Mundy
Succeeded byThomas J. Drake
Member of the Michigan Senate
In office
1839
Succeeded byHenry P. Bridge
Personal details
Born1809
Plainfield, Connecticut
DiedDecember 1853 (aged 4344)
Pernambuco, Brazil
Political partyWhig

Life and politics in Michigan

Gordon was born in Plainfield, Connecticut and studied law.

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.

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. He is interred in Brazil.

References

Political offices
Preceded by
Edward Mundy
Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
18401841
Succeeded by
Thomas J. Drake
Preceded by
William Woodbridge
Governor of Michigan
18411842
Succeeded by
John S. Barry
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