About

NAHUM J. BACHELDER, the fifty-eighth governor of New Hampshire, was born in East Andover, New Hampshire on September 3, 1854. His education was attained at an academy in Franklin, and at the New Hampton Institute. For a short time, Bachelder taught school, however, his true passion was in agricultural field. In 1877 he became involved in the Highland Lake Grange, later serving as the master of the local grange. He was secretary of the New Hampshire Grange State Fair Association from 1886 to 1896, as well as serving as secretary and master of the State Grange from 1891 to 1903. He also chaired the executive committee of the National Grange; and was secretary of the State Board of Agriculture from 1887 to 1913. Bachelder first entered politics in 1889, serving on the Immigration Commission, a post that merged with agriculture in 1891. He also served as secretary of the New Hampshire Old Home Week Association; and was a member of the New Hampshire Cattle Commission in 1891. Bachelder next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1902. During his tenure, a state armory was established at Manchester; liquor prohibition was eliminated; the Laconia state school was initiated for the mentally retarded; and the state agricultural college was advanced. After completing his term, Bachelder retired from political life. He continued to stay active in the National Grange, serving as the tenth master. Governor Nahum J. Bachelder passed away on April 22, 1934, and was buried in the Proctor Cemetery in Andover, New Hampshire.

Source

New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds.Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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