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James Wright Gordon

1809 – 1853

American politician

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About James Wright Gordon

Lived 1809 – 1853 (aged 43–44). James Wright Gordon was an American politician, governor, jurist and lawyer.

James Wright Gordon (1809 – December 23, 1853), usually referred to as J. Wright Gordon, was a Whig politician from the U.S. state of Michigan.

Life and politics in Michigan Gordon was born in Plainfield, Connecticut and studied law at Harvard University.

He later moved to Michigan, establishing a practice in Marshall, and also lived for a time in Battle Creek. He was a member of the Michigan State Senate (6th district) in 1839 and served as the second lieutenant governor of Michigan from 1840 to 1841.

Gordon became the third governor of Michigan ex officio, when William Woodbridge resigned on February 23, 1841, to become a U.S. Senator. He completed the remainder of Woodbridge's term until January 3, 1842.

He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Representative from Michigan's 2nd congressional district in 1846 and 1847, defeated by John Smith Chipman.

Death in Brazil Gordon was appointed the U.S. consul in Pernambuco, Brazil, in January 1850 by President Zachary Taylor. At the time of his appointment, his health was failing, and it was thought the climate in Brazil could restore it.

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Important facts

Born
1809, Plainfield
Birth century
Nationality
Positions held
Governor of Michigan, Member of the State Senate of Michigan, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan

People in James Wright Gordon's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Wright Gordon's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Wright Gordon?

American politician (1809–1853)

When was James Wright Gordon born?

James Wright Gordon was born in 1809 in Plainfield.

When did James Wright Gordon die?

James Wright Gordon died on 1 December 1853.

What was James Wright Gordon's occupation?

James Wright Gordon was a politician, governor, jurist and lawyer.

What nationality was James Wright Gordon?

James Wright Gordon was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Wright Gordon

· Wikidata: Q882988

· DBpedia: James Wright Gordon

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Wright Gordon. https://biography.guide/james-wright-gordon/

MLA: "James Wright Gordon." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-wright-gordon/.

Chicago: "James Wright Gordon." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-wright-gordon/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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