La Fayette Grover was an influential political figure in the United States during the 19th century, known for his roles as a Congressman, Governor of Oregon, and U.S. Senator. His career was marked by significant contributions to both state and national politics, particularly during the tumultuous times surrounding the Civil War.
La Fayette Grover was born on November 29, 1823, in Bethel, Maine. He came from a family with a strong interest in politics and public service. Grover pursued his education with vigor, attending Bowdoin College in Maine, where he graduated in 1844. Following his graduation, he chose to study law and was admitted to the bar in 1848.
Intrigued by the opportunities in the rapidly developing West, Grover moved to Oregon in 1851. Here, his legal background and political acumen quickly propelled him into the public eye. He served as a member of the territorial legislature and was instrumental in shaping early laws and policies in the region.
Grover’s political career took a significant leap forward when he was elected as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1859 to 1861. His tenure in Congress was marked by the national turmoil leading up to the Civil War. Grover was known for his moderate views, advocating for states’ rights while also seeking to preserve the Union.
In 1870, Grover was elected Governor of Oregon, a position he held until 1877. His governorship was a period of substantial growth and development in Oregon. He focused on economic development, including the expansion of the railroad network, and educational reform. His administration was also noted for its efforts in upholding law and order during a period of significant social and economic change.
La Fayette Grover’s involvement in the U.S. Presidential election of 1876 is a significant aspect of his political career, particularly due to the controversial nature of this election. The election of 1876, one of the most disputed in American history, was between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden.
The 1876 election was characterized by widespread allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. The initial counts indicated a narrow victory for Tilden, but 20 electoral votes from four states, including Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon, were in dispute. The controversy centered around which party’s electors were the legitimate ones to vote in the Electoral College.
As the Governor of Oregon at the time, Grover played a pivotal role in the controversy surrounding the disputed electoral votes of his state. The issue in Oregon was unique compared to the other disputed states. While Oregon had voted for Hayes, one of the Republican electors was disqualified for being an “elected or appointed official,” which was against the rules for electors.
Grover, a Democrat, intervened by appointing a Democrat elector to replace the disqualified Republican elector. This move was aimed at securing the state’s electoral votes for Tilden. Grover’s decision was based on his interpretation of state law, but it was highly controversial and added to the national turmoil.
The unprecedented deadlock led to the creation of an Electoral Commission in January 1877, comprising 15 members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court. The Commission was tasked with resolving the disputes from the contested states.
Despite Grover’s intervention in Oregon, the Commission ultimately awarded all disputed electoral votes to Hayes, making him the winner by a single electoral vote. The decision was contentious and led to the Compromise of 1877, which had significant implications for Reconstruction and the political landscape of the South.
Grover’s involvement in the 1876 election controversy is a notable example of his political maneuvering and reflects the intense partisan divisions of the era. His decision in Oregon’s electoral dispute demonstrates the complexities and challenges of governance during this turbulent period in American history.
Following his governorship, Grover was elected to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1877 to 1883. As a Senator, he continued to play a significant role in shaping national policy, particularly in matters related to the development of the Western United States.
After his term in the Senate, Grover returned to Oregon, where he remained active in local politics and legal affairs. He also engaged in various business ventures and continued to contribute to the development of the state.
La Fayette Grover passed away on May 10, 1911. His legacy is remembered for his contributions to the formation and development of the state of Oregon, as well as his moderate and stabilizing influence during a pivotal era in American history. His career exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of American politics in the 19th century, especially in the context of expansion and national turmoil.
La Fayette Grover’s life and career offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of 19th-century American politics. His journey from a young lawyer in Maine to a prominent political figure in the developing West underscores the transformative period of American history in which he lived and served. His contributions to Oregon and the nation remain an integral part of the historical narrative of the United States.
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