William Pennington: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:25, 16 February 2025

William Pennington[edit]

William Pennington was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 13th Governor of New Jersey and the 24th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was born on May 4, 1796, in Newark, New Jersey, and died on February 16, 1862, in the same city.

Early Life and Education[edit]

William Pennington was born into a prominent family in Newark, New Jersey. He was the son of William Sandford Pennington, who served as a U.S. District Judge and the 6th Governor of New Jersey. Pennington attended the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, where he studied law.

Legal Career[edit]

After completing his education, Pennington was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Newark. He quickly established himself as a capable attorney and became involved in local politics.

Political Career[edit]

Governor of New Jersey[edit]

In 1837, Pennington was elected as the Governor of New Jersey, serving from 1837 to 1843. During his tenure, he focused on improving the state's infrastructure and education system. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was one of the two major political parties in the United States at the time.

Speaker of the House[edit]

In 1858, Pennington was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Republican Party. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1860 to 1861. His election as Speaker was notable because it occurred during a time of great national tension leading up to the American Civil War.

Later Life and Legacy[edit]

After his term as Speaker, Pennington returned to New Jersey, where he continued to be active in public affairs until his death in 1862. He is remembered for his contributions to both state and national politics during a critical period in American history.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox Governor
+== William Pennington ==
-| name = William Pennington
-| image =
-| caption =
-| order = 13th
-| office = Governor of New Jersey
-| term_start = January 31, 1837
-| term_end = October 27, 1843
-| predecessor = Philemon Dickerson
-| successor = Daniel Haines
-| birth_date = May 4, 1796
-| birth_place = Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
-| death_date = February 16, 1862
-| death_place = Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
-| party = Whig
-| spouse =
-| profession = Lawyer, Politician
-}}
-'''William Pennington''' (May 4, 1796 – February 16, 1862) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 13th [[Governor of New Jersey]] from 1837 to 1843 and later as the Speaker of the [[United States House of Representatives]] during the 36th Congress. A member of the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig Party]], Pennington was known for his moderate stance on the issues of his day, including slavery.
+[[File:William_Pennington_portrait.jpg|thumb|right|Portrait of William Pennington]]
-==Early Life and Education==
+William Pennington was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 13th [[Governor of New Jersey]] and the 24th [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]]. He was born on May 4, 1796, in Newark, New Jersey, and died on February 16, 1862, in the same city.
-William Pennington was born in [[Newark, New Jersey]], to a prominent family. He pursued an education in law and was admitted to the bar in 1817, beginning his practice in Newark.
-==Political Career==
+=== Early Life and Education ===
-Pennington's political career began in the New Jersey legislature, where he served before being elected as Governor of New Jersey in 1837. As governor, he focused on reforming the state's banking system and improving public education. After his governorship, Pennington returned to his law practice but remained active in politics.
+William Pennington was born into a prominent family in Newark, New Jersey. He was the son of [[William Sandford Pennington]], who served as a [[United States District Court|U.S. District Judge]] and the 6th Governor of New Jersey. Pennington attended the [[College of New Jersey]], now known as [[Princeton University]], where he studied law.
-In 1859, Pennington was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] as a representative from New Jersey. In 1860, he was elected Speaker of the House, a position he held during a tumultuous period leading up to the [[American Civil War]]. Despite being a Northerner, he attempted to maintain a neutral position on the issue of slavery, advocating for compromise between the North and South.
+=== Legal Career ===
+After completing his education, Pennington was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Newark. He quickly established himself as a capable attorney and became involved in local politics.
-==Later Life and Legacy==
+=== Political Career ===
-After serving as Speaker, Pennington continued his law practice until his death in 1862 in Newark. His tenure as Speaker of the House is noted for his efforts to maintain legislative order during a period of significant national division.
-==See Also==
+==== Governor of New Jersey ====
-* [[List of Governors of New Jersey]]
+In 1837, Pennington was elected as the Governor of New Jersey, serving from 1837 to 1843. During his tenure, he focused on improving the state's infrastructure and education system. He was a member of the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig Party]], which was one of the two major political parties in the United States at the time.
-* [[List of Speakers of the United States House of Representatives]]
-==Death and Burial==
+==== Speaker of the House ====
-William Pennington died on February 16, 1862, and was buried in Newark, New Jersey. His contributions to New Jersey's political landscape and his moderate leadership style during his time as Speaker of the House are remembered as significant aspects of his legacy.
+In 1858, Pennington was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] as a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1860 to 1861. His election as Speaker was notable because it occurred during a time of great national tension leading up to the [[American Civil War]].
+=== Later Life and Legacy ===
+After his term as Speaker, Pennington returned to New Jersey, where he continued to be active in public affairs until his death in 1862. He is remembered for his contributions to both state and national politics during a critical period in American history.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Governor of New Jersey]]
+* [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]]
+* [[Whig Party (United States)]]
+* [[Republican Party (United States)]]
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Pennington, William}}
 [[Category:Governors of New Jersey]]
 [[Category:Speakers of the United States House of Representatives]]
-[[Category:People from Newark, New Jersey]]
 [[Category:1796 births]]
 [[Category:1862 deaths]]
-[[Category:New Jersey Whigs]]
+[[Category:People from Newark, New Jersey]]
-[[Category:19th-century American politicians]]
+[[Category:New Jersey lawyers]]
-{{USRepSuccessionBox | state=New Jersey | district=5 | before=William Wright | after=John Huyler | years=1859–1861}}
-{{US-Speaker-stub}}