Gov. James Whitcomb

Wabash Valley profiles : a series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history

Description:	One typed page including portrait; biography of James Whitcomb, the first Terre Haute resident elected Indiana governor. ABASH VALLEY WP R O F I L E SA series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history.Gov. James WhitcombEsteemed historian Jacob Piatt Dunn named James Whitcombthe first Terre Haute resident elected Indiana governorone of the states most popular public figures. The son of Revolutionary War veteran John Whitcomb and Lydia Parmenter, he was born in Rochester, Windsor County, Vt., on Dec. 1, 1795. The family moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1806. James assisted with farm chores and, whenever possible, borrowed books to read by candlelight. Despite scant formal education, he worked his way through Transylvania University, in Lexington, Ky., earning a degree in 1819. Three years later, he was admitted to the Kentucky bar but relocated to Bloomington, Ind., in 1824. Gov. James Brown Raywhose parents resided in Vigo Countyappointed Whitcomb prosecuting attorney effective Aug. 14, 1826. He resigned Jan. 14, 1829, the year he was elected to the first of six consecutive terms in the Indiana senate. He was one of only nine legislators to oppose Indianas Internal Improvements Act, which committed the state to massive debt to build roads, highways and the Wabash & Erie Canal. While residing in Bloomington, Whitcomb often visited Terre Haute to attend court and Masonic meetings. In October 1836, President Andrew Jackson appointed Whitcomb as Commissioner of the U.S. Land Office in Washington D.C., an important and prestigious post. A talented musician and a brilliant scholar, he learned French and Spanish so he could read land grants. A staunch Democrat, he served through the Van Buren administration, resigning June 6, 1841, to establish a Terre Haute law practice. Terre Haute attorney Elisha M. Huntington succeeded him as Land Office commissioner. Whitcomb quickly became Indianas most popular politician. His office on S. Second St., across from Courthouse Square, and his home on N. Fourth St., were abuzz with activity, including visits from state and national dignitaries. When ex-President Van Buren came to town, Whitcomb was his host. Meanwhile, he accumulated considerable area real estate. In 1843 he was chosen the Democrats gubernatorial nominee, defeating Whig incumbent Gov. Samuel Bigger. He was re-elected easily in 1846, having restored the states financial image after the collapse of the internal improvements program. On March 24, 1846, he wed widow Martha Ann (Renick) Hurst. Lamentably, she died on July 17, 1847, 16 days after the birth of daughter Martha Ann. In 1849 the Indiana legislature chose Whitcomb U.S. Senator over incumbent Sen. Edward A. Hannegan. The same year, Greenfield attorney Reuben Riley named his son, James Whitcomb Riley. Suffering from virulent kidney disease, Whitcomb had difficulty handling congressional duties. He died Oct. 4, 1852, after surgery in New York, and is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. His daughterwho wed Claude Matthews, elected Indianas 22nd governor in 1892inherited Vermillion County real estate, including what became known as Hazel Buff farm, five miles southwest of Clinton overlooking Brouillettes Creek. Gov. Whitcomb gave his massive library to DePauw University.TERRE HAUTE(812) 238-6000NATIONAL BANKAlways Close to HomeDate published: October 5, 2000Filename: Gov. James Whitcomb profile
Origin:	2000-10-04
Created By:	McCormick, Mike
Publisher:	Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/648
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Whitcomb, James, 1795-1852 Politicians Governors Legislators

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