Charles Lynch (politician)

Charles Lynch ( * 1783, † February 9, 1853 in Jackson, Mississippi ) was an American politician and 1833-1838 twice governor of the state of Mississippi.

Early years and political rise

The exact date of birth and the birthplace of Charles Lynch are unknown. He came from either Virginia or South Carolina in the then Mississippi Territory. In this question, the sources are not unanimous. In his new home, he worked as a farmer and then in the civil service. In 1821, he was without law school, was appointed judge in a probate court in Lawrence County. Lynch was a member of the Democratic Party and their local party chairman. From 1827 to 1833 he was a member of the Senate of Mississippi. During the Nullifikationskrise he supported President Andrew Jackson against separatist movements the State of South Carolina.

Governor of Mississippi

In 1833, Charles Lynch, President of the Senate of his State, and as such assistant to the governor. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor had recently been abolished by a reform of the constitution. After the death of Governor Abram M. Scott on June 12, 1833, he had to finish the remainder of the term until 30 November of the same year. Then the elected in May new Governor Hiram Runnels could take over the post. During this time, Lynch tried in vain to enforce a school reform.

After the end of his brief tenure, he was a member of the Whig party. As the candidate he was elected to the post of governor on November 2, 1835, only 426 votes ahead again. His second term began on January 7, 1836 and ended on January 8, 1838. Occasion of his inauguration, the first official inauguration ceremony for Governors of Mississippi was held. During his reign the criminal law has been strengthened and expanded the death penalty for many offenses. He got also the construction of a state prison, which was then completed in 1840. The economic crisis of 1837 hit Mississippi difficult. Many citizens emigrated to Texas, which had become independent only in the year of Mexico. At the end of his tenure, the governor had to deal with a continued crisis caused by the large budget deficit. Thus its popularity declined, and he opted not to run again.

Further CV

After the end of his governorship Lynch was president of a railroad company and the state commissioner for public buildings for some time. He then retired to his plantation in Jackson, which he managed until his death in 1853. Governor Lynch was in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, buried.