Theodore Fitz Randolph

Theodore Fitz Randolph (June 24, 1826 – November 7, 1883) was an American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as the 22nd governor of New Jersey from 1869 to 1872 and represented the state in the United States Senate from 1875 to 1881. He was the son of U.S. Representative James F. Randolph.

His term as Governor was primarily focused on corporate tax reform, eliminating exemptions granted to the state's transportation monopolies and leading to the establishment of a uniform tax code shortly after he left office.

Early life and business career Theodore Fitz Randolph was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 24, 1826, to James F. Randolph and Sarah Kent Carman. His father was a printer and publisher of the New Brunswick Fredonian who represented New Jersey as an at-large United States Representative from 1828 to 1833.

Theodore attended the Rutgers Grammar School and worked as a writer and proofreader for the Fredonian until the age of sixteen, when he entered into a mercantile career, primarily based in the American South.

Early political career After admission to the bar in 1848, Randolph entered politics as a member of the Whig Party who supported states' rights and consistently opposed the abolition of slavery, like his father. However, the party entered a rapid decline after the 1852 elections and Randolph soon joined the Democratic Party.