Harrison Ludington

Harrison Ludington ( born July 31, 1812 in Kent, Putnam County, New York, † June 17, 1891 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ) was an American politician and from 1876 to 1878 the 13th Governor of Wisconsin.

Early years and political rise

At the age of 24 years Ludington came to Milwaukee. There he ran a shop with his uncle. A few years later Ludington went into the wood industry. Since his arrival, he was involved in the development of Milwaukee. He was first elected for two years in the city council and then as mayor of this city. This office he held 1871-1872 and again from 1873-1876. In 1875 he was elected as a candidate of the Republican Party as the new governor of Wisconsin, where he very nearly prevailed with 50.07 percent of the vote against the Democratic incumbent William R. Taylor.

Governor of Wisconsin

Ludington took up his new post on January 3, 1876. In his two-year tenure, he supported one side the industry and trade in his state. He made some reforms of his predecessors undo and came on resistance within his own party. Therefore, it was not possible for him re-election.

After the expiration of his term, he went back to his private interests. In 1881 he attempted an unsuccessful return to the office of governor. A year later, also failed an attempt to get elected again as mayor of Milwaukee. Harrison Ludington died in June 1891. He was married twice and had six children.