State Web Site

ARTHUR SELIGMAN was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on June 14, 1873. His education was attained at the Southmore College Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1887, and at the Pierce College of Business in Philadelphia. He then established a successful career in the business world, with holdings in the banking and mercantile industries. Seligman first entered politics in 1906, serving as a member of the Territorial Board of Equalization, a position he held for two years. From 1910 to 1912 he served as the mayor of Santa Fe; and from 1910 to 1920 he presided over the Santa Fe County Commission. He also chaired the Santa Fe County Road Board from 1914 to 1916, as well as presiding over the Santa Fe County Council of Defense from 1917 to 1918. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1916, 1920, 1924, and 1932; was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1920 to 1930; and served as chairman of the Educational Survey Commission from 1921 to 1923. Seligman next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by popular vote on November 4, 1930. He was reelected to a second term in 1932. During his tenure, additional funding was secured for maintaining the state historical society; the state’s tourist attractions were promoted; and state spending was controlled. While still in office, Governor Seligman became ill and passed away on September 25, 1933. He was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Sources:

* Govenor Arthur Seligman Papers, 1931-1933 (official papers)

The Political Graveyard

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.

The University of New Mexico

Wikipedia.org

* Finding aid available at New Mexico Commission of Public Records.

For more information please contact the New Mexico State Archives at 505-476-7948 or archives@state.nm.us.