John McEnery (Louisiana)

John McEnery ( born March 31, 1833 in Petersburg, Virginia; † March 28, 1891 in Washington DC ) was an American politician and in 1873 governor of the state of Louisiana.

Early years

As early as 1835, John McEnery came with his family to Monroe, Louisiana. Later he attended Hanover College in Indiana and today's Tulane University, where he studied law. In 1857 he was employed by the Land Administration of the Federal Government in Monroe.

Political career

During the Civil War, he brought it to an infantry unit from Louisiana to lieutenant colonel. In 1866 he was elected to the House of Representatives from Louisiana, from which he was removed in 1867 by the military commander. In 1872 he ran as a candidate of the Democratic Party for the office of governor.

Controversial gubernatorial

The gubernatorial elections this year were very controversial in Louisiana. McEnery running against Republican William P. Kellogg. The acting Governor Henry C. Warmoth supported McEnery active, although this was not part of his Republican Party. The output was very close and an official appointed by Warmoth Election Committee declared McEnery to the election winner. The result has been challenged by Kellogg. Another election committee confirmed Kellogg's election victory. Meanwhile, 1873 McEnery was sworn in as new Governor on January 14. At the same time was introduced at a counter-event Kellogg as governor in his office. Thus, Louisiana had two governors at the same time. In September 1874 attacked 5,000 Untergrundkämpder the racist White League in New Orleans 3500 police officers and members of the militia of Louisiana and tried to overthrow Kellogg force. The fighting continued as the Battle of Liberty Place in the state's history. This chaos was finally ended by President Ulysses S. Grant, who sent troops to New Orleans, and on September 20, 1873 Kellogg told the election winner.

Further CV

After the end of his hopes for the governorship McEnery became a lawyer in New Orleans. He was married to Mary G. Thompson and died on March 28, 1891 in Washington. His brother Samuel was 1881-1888 Governor of Louisiana.