Stephen F. Chadwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen F. Chadwick
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| 5th Governor of Oregon | |
| In office February 1, 1877 – September 11, 1878 |
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| Preceded by | La Fayette Grover |
| Succeeded by | W. W. Thayer |
| Secretary of State of Oregon | |
| In office September 10, 1870 – September 2, 1878 |
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| Governor | George L. Woods La Fayette Grover |
| Preceded by | Samuel E. May |
| Succeeded by | Rockey Preston Earhart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 25, 1825 Middletown, Connecticut |
| Died | January 15, 1895 (aged 69) Salem, Oregon |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jane A. Smith |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Stephen Fowler Chadwick (born December 25, 1825 – died January 15, 1895) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Stephen Chadwick served as the fifth Governor of Oregon. He was governor from 1877 to 1878. He was the first person to become governor through the state's line of succession. This means he took over when the previous governor left office early.
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Stephen Chadwick's Early Life and Career
What Did Stephen Chadwick Do for a Living?
Stephen Chadwick was a Lawyer. He became a lawyer in New York State on May 30, 1850. Soon after, he moved to Oregon. He started his own law firm in Scottsburg, Douglas County, on April 21, 1851. Chadwick also became the first postmaster for the town of Scottsburg.
How Did Stephen Chadwick Start in Politics?
After moving to Roseburg, Stephen Chadwick began his political journey. He ran for and won the new job of Judge for Douglas County. Later, in 1857, he represented Douglas County at the Oregon Constitutional Convention. This was a big meeting to write Oregon's state constitution.
Chadwick also helped with national elections. He was a Democratic elector in the 1864 and 1868 Presidential elections. This meant he was chosen to cast votes for the Democratic presidential candidate.
In 1870, Chadwick won the election to become Secretary of State for Oregon. He was reelected to this important job in 1874.
Stephen Chadwick is also known for suggesting a special state holiday. While he was Secretary of State, he thought of "Pioneer Day." This holiday would be celebrated on June 15. The date was chosen to remember the signing of the Oregon Treaty in 1846. This treaty officially settled land claims between the United States and Great Britain in the Oregon Territory.
Stephen Chadwick's Time as Governor
How Did Stephen Chadwick Become Governor?
In 1877, the governor at the time, La Fayette Grover, resigned. He had been elected to the United States Senate by the State Legislature. Stephen Chadwick was the Secretary of State, which put him next in line to become governor. So, he was sworn in to finish the last year of Grover's term.
When he became governor, Stephen Chadwick also kept his job as Secretary of State. This was unusual and against the state's rules at the time. When official papers needed both signatures, he would sign on the left as Secretary of State and on the right as Governor.
What Was Important During His Time as Governor?
A major event during Chadwick's time as governor was the Nez Perce War. This conflict was happening in the northeastern part of Oregon. Governor Chadwick was not happy with how the war was going. He even went to the front lines to see the situation for himself.
He worked to help white settlers during the conflict. He believed that tribal leaders who were not cooperating should face stronger actions than what the Army was doing.
When the 1878 elections came, Stephen Chadwick decided not to run for a second term. After his time as governor, he went back to working as a lawyer.
Stephen Chadwick's Later Life
Stephen F. Chadwick passed away on January 15, 1895, in Salem, Oregon. His son, Stephen J. Chadwick, later became a judge on the Washington Supreme Court.
