William Adams Palmer, Vermont Governor 1831-1835

William Adams Palmer, Vermont Governor 1831-1835

Chosen the Anti-Masonic candidate for governor in 1831, Palmer failed to receive a majority of the popular vote in a two-man race but did receive a plurality and was selected the winner by the state legislature. In two of the next three gubernatorial elections, the same circumstances arose, with Palmer again being selected the winner by the state legislature. Only once, in 1833, did he receive a majority of the popular vote. His gubernatorial administration was marked by success in the abolishment of imprisonment of females for debt. Palmer promoted commerce, industry, and agriculture in Vermont. And he played a key role in raising additional education revenues and establishing fourteen new schools. In addition, seven new banks were chartered in the state during his tenure as governor, and legislation to expand the railway system was enacted. In 1835, after Palmer once more failed to receive a majority of the popular vote, the state legislature's inability to decide on a winner resulted in Lieutenant Governor Silas H. Jenison becoming governor.
From: https://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_vermont/col2-content/main-content-list/title_palmer_william.default.html

VHS-A-846