William Claflin

William Claflin ( born March 6, 1818 in Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, † January 5, 1905 in Newton, Massachusetts ) was an American politician and from 1869 to 1872 Governor of Massachusetts. Between 1877 and 1881 he represented his state in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early years and political rise

William Claflin attended Milford Academy and Brown University in Providence (Rhode Iceland ). He then worked in the shoe and leather goods business his family. In this industry he founded in St. Louis own company. After his return to Massachusetts, he was also active in Boston in this industry.

In Massachusetts, he was instrumental in the founding of the Free Soil Party. Between 1849 and 1852 he was a member of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, and from 1860 to 1861 he was a member of the State Senate. Meanwhile he had joined the Republican Party. From 1864 to 1875 he was a member of the Republican National Committee and 1868-1872 even its chairman. In the years 1866-1868 William Claflin served as Deputy Governor Deputy Governor Alexander H. Bullock.

Governor of Massachusetts

On November 3, 1868 Claflin was elected governor of his state. After two re- election he was able to exercise this office from January 7, 1869, to January 3, 1872. During this time, the first time a health committee was formed in Massachusetts. The governor campaigned for women's suffrage and other concerns of women. At that time, new social programs were also in the field of prison, developed. In 1871, Claflin declined to run again.

Further CV

After the end of his governorship to Claflin devoted again to his private business. He supported the establishment of a Methodist university for African Americans in South Carolina, which received the name of Claflin University. Between March 4, 1877, and March 3, 1881 he was a deputy in the Congress in Washington. William Claflin, died in January 1905. He was twice married and had a child.