Herbert James Hagerman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hagerman in 1904 | |
| 16thGovernor of New Mexico Territory | |
| In office January 10, 1906 – May 3, 1907 | |
| Appointed by | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Miguel Antonio Otero |
| Succeeded by | George Curry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1871-12-15)December 15, 1871 |
| Died | January 29, 1935(1935-01-29) (aged 63) |
| Resting place | Forest Home Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Cornell Law School |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Herbert James Hagerman (December 15, 1871 – January 29, 1935) was an Americanattorney, was the17th Governor of theNew Mexico Territory from 1906 to 1907.
Hagerman was born inMilwaukee, Wisconsin to industrialistJ. J. Hagerman.[1][2] He worked at several low-level jobs in his father's businesses during his teen and college years, including his father's ranch nearRoswell, New Mexico.
He received his law degree fromCornell Law School in 1894, and became a member of theKappa Alpha Society. After passing the bar, he practiced law inColorado, where he had moved in order to be closer to his father's mining interests.
Hagerman never married and had no children.
In 1898, became Secretary to the United States Embassy inRussia, a position he held until 1901.[3][4] Working closely with AmbassadorEthan A. Hitchcock, Hagerman impressed his boss with his abilities and his eagerness to stem waste and corruption. Hitchcock was recalled to Washington in 1899 to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Hagerman resumed practicing law and taking part in his father's New Mexico ranching interests. In 1903 he was appointed to New Mexico's Board of Managers for theLouisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair. He was an alternate delegate to the1904 Republican National Convention.
In 1906 PresidentTheodore Roosevelt was attempting to curb the political corruption which was rampant in New Mexico. Remembering Hagerman's abilities from his time in Russia, and aware of Hagerman's ties to New Mexico, Hitchcock suggested him as a candidate for Governor. Roosevelt appointed Hagerman on January 10, 1906.
As Governor, Hagerman was strongly opposed by the political bosses of New Mexico. They waged a campaign of negative publicity against him, and succeeded in blocking most of his proposed reforms. The leaders of New Mexico's political establishment submitted a long list of spurious charges against Hagerman to Roosevelt. Roosevelt ultimately sided with the New Mexico establishment and asked Hagerman to resign. Roosevelt was inundated with pro-Hagerman letters and telegrams from the citizens of New Mexico, but did not reconsider his decision. Hagerman left office on May 3, 1907.
After leaving office Hagerman returned to the practice of law inSanta Fe andRoswell. From 1923 to 1931 he served as federal commissioner to theNavajo nation, initially appointed byAlbert Fall, a New Mexican who was serving asSecretary of the Interior.[5]
Hagerman died inSanta Fe, New Mexico on January 29, 1935.[1] He was buried at Forest Home Cemetery inMilwaukee, Wisconsin.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Governor of New Mexico 1906–1907 | Succeeded by |
| U.S. Military Admin(1846–1851) |  | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Territory(1851–1912) | ||
| State(since 1912) | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
