William B. Washburn

William Barrett Washburn ( born January 31, 1820 Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, † October 5, 1887 in Springfield, Massachusetts ) was an American politician and from 1872 to 1874 Governor of Massachusetts. He also represented his country in both chambers of the U.S. Congress.

Early years and political rise

William Washburn attended the Westminster Academy and the Hancock Academy. Then he studied until 1844 at Yale University. He then worked as a store clerk and crafts. Later he went into the banking business. In 1850 he was elected for a period in the Massachusetts Senate. From 1853 to 1855 he was a member of the House of Representatives of the State. In the following years he devoted himself in Greenfield his banking transactions.

Congressman and Governor

Washburn was a member of the Republican Party. Between March 4, 1863 and December 5, 1871, he represented his country in the U.S. House of Representatives. There he was at times Chairman of the Committee, which dealt with claims to the government ( Committee on Claims ). After he was elected as a candidate of his party for governor of his state on November 7, 1871 he put on 5 December this year, down from his position in Congress. In the years 1872 and 1873 Washburn was confirmed as governor of the voters. So that he could hold that office between 4 January 1872 and 17 April 1874. During this time the Massachusetts Constitution was reformed and the expansion of the rail network promoted. The education system also has been improved by a women's school and a training center for teachers were established. After the death of U.S. Senator Charles Sumner Washburn was elected as his successor. He then resigned as governor on April 17, 1874.

U.S. Senator

In the U.S. Senate Washburn served between April 17, 1874 to March 3, 1875. He was not present in any significant committee and handed over his position in March 1875 on the chosen successor Henry L. Dawes. After his time in the Senate Washburn withdrew from politics. He became president of the Greenfield National Bank and curator of several educational institutions. He was also a director of the railway company Connecticut River Railroad. William Washburn died in October 1887. He was married to Hannah Sweetser.