J. Wight Giddings

Jabez Wight Giddings (September 27, 1858 – July 1, 1933) was an American politician, lawyer, and newspaperman. A Republican, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, under John T. Rich.

Early life and education Giddings was born on September 27, 1858, in Romeo, Michigan, the son of Moses Avery Giddings and Caroline (née Beekman) Giddings. Educated at common schools, he graduated from high school in Romeo, in 1877, then studied at Oberlin College and Amherst College, for one year and for three years, respectively. While at Oberlin, he joined Delta Kappa Epsilon. He lived in Cadillac.

Career In 1880 and 1881, Giddings was a lawyer for the Chicago and North Western Railway. From 1882 to spring 1887, he operated the Cadillac Evening News. He sold the paper and returned to practicing law, While in the Senate, he was a member of the following Committees: Engrossment and Enrollment, Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Labor Interests, Mining School and Mining Interests, Printing, Railroads, Saline Interests, State Public School, and Supplies and Expenses. He moved to Arizona and worked as a copper miner, by suggestion of painter Charles S. Rawles, who was also the son of military officer Jacob Beekman Rawles. Around 1910, he moved to Taos, New Mexico. There, he edited The Santa Fe New Mexican and the Taos Valley News, working the latter job until his death. He died on July 1, 1933, aged 74, in Taos, New Mexico. He was buried on July 2, at Sierra Vista Cemetery, in Taos.