William Sanford Pennington

William Sanford Pennington (1757 – September 17, 1826) was a United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, the sixth governor of New Jersey and a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Early life and military service

Born in 1757, in Newark, Province of New Jersey, British America, His parents were Samuel Pennington (c. 1726-1791) and Mary Sandford (c. 1726-1805). He was the namesake of his grandfather William Sandford (III) and great-great-grandson of William Sandford. Pennington likely was trained as a hatter and likely engaged in that profession during his early years. Pennington served in the New Jersey General Assembly in 1797, 1798, and 1799, was elected to the New Jersey State Council (now the New Jersey Legislative Council) in 1801, and 1802. His service terminated on September 17, 1826, due to his death in Newark.

Legacy

Pennington's papers are archived with the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark. Pennington, New Jersey is named for Pennington.