James Whitfield (Mississippi)

James Whitfield (* December 15, 1791 in Elbert County, Georgia, † June 25, 1875 in Columbus, Mississippi ) was an American politician and 1851-1852 Governor of the State of Mississippi.

Early years and political rise

James Whitfield attended the public schools of his home in Georgia. After moving to Columbus in Mississippi, he became a successful planter and merchant. He joined the Democratic Party. Between 1842 and 1850 he was a delegate in the House of Representatives from Mississippi. He then became a member of the State Senate.

Governor of Mississippi

Governor John A. Quitman resigned on 3 February 1851 by his office, whereupon the former Senate President John Isaac Guion took over in accordance with the State Constitution whose term of office. Guions mandate as President of the Senate expired on 4 November of the same year. This went out his credentials as governor. Subsequently, the State Senate convened for a special session, was elected at the Whitfield on November 24, 1851 as the new president of the board and therefore to the acting governor. In the 20 days between the end of the term Guions and the inauguration of Whitfield Mississippi Governor was without.

Whitfield but had only time until 10 January 1852 bridge on which the newly elected Governor Henry Stuart Foote, who had been represented his state in the U.S. Senate, his new took office. Whitfield was elected again in the House of Representatives of his State in 1858. The married Louisa Dyer politician died in June 1875, and was buried in his hometown of Columbus. James Whitfield put the government in the north of the state land available on which later the Mississippi State Hospital was built.