Anthony Colby | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 20th Governor of New Hampshire | |
| In office June 4, 1846 – June 3, 1847 | |
| Preceded by | John Hardy Steele |
| Succeeded by | Jared W. Williams |
| Member of theNew Hampshire House of Representatives | |
| In office 1828–1832 1837–1839 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1792-11-13)November 13, 1792 New London, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | July 20, 1873(1873-07-20) (aged 80) New London, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Everett Eliza Messenger Richardson |
| Children | Susan Farnum Colby Robert Lane Colby |
| Profession | Business executive Manufacturer |
Anthony Colby (November 13, 1792 – July 20, 1873) was an American businessman and politician fromNew London, New Hampshire. He owned and operated a grist mill and a stage line, and served as the 20thGovernor of New Hampshire from 1846 to 1847.
Colby was born inNew London, New Hampshire, on November 13, 1792. His was educated locally and became a successful business owner and operator, with his ventures including a stagecoach line, gristmill, and factory for producing scythes.
He was also active in the militia, serving as an ensign during theWar of 1812, and attaining the rank of major general in 1837.
Colby entered politics as a member of theNew Hampshire House of Representatives, serving from 1828 to 1832 and 1837 to 1839. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1833 and 1835, and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1843, 1844 and 1845.
In 1846, Colby ran for governor as theWhig nominee. He originally placed second to DemocratJared W. Williams, receiving 32% of the vote to Williams's 48%. However, thestate constitution imposed a majority-vote requirement in gubernatorial elections, so the failure of any candidate in the race to win a majority threw the election to theGeneral Court. A Whig–Liberty Party–Independent Democrat coalition, led by Independent DemocratJohn P. Hale, won control of the state government and elected Colby as Governor over Williams.[1] Colby served from June 4, 1846, to June 3, 1847. He ran unsuccessfully for re-election in 1847, in which he lost to Williams.
After leaving the governorship, Colby remained active in business, the military and politics. He served again in the New Hampshire House from 1860 to 1861, and during theAmerican Civil War served asAdjutant General of theNew Hampshire Militia from 1861 to 1863. He then became provost marshal of the militia, with his son Daniel succeeding him as adjutant general.
Colby was interested inhigher education. He was a trustee ofDartmouth College from 1850 to 1870, and received anhonoraryMaster of Arts from Dartmouth in 1850. He was also the founder of Colby Academy, which through expansions and mergers is now known asColby-Sawyer College.
Colby died inNew London on July 20, 1873, and was buried in New London's Old Main Street Cemetery.[2]
Colby's papers are held atColby-Sawyer College.[3]
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Enos Stevens | Whig nominee forGovernor of New Hampshire 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Governor of New Hampshire 1846–1847 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
