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War(s) Served:  World War I

James F. Fielder, the forty-fourth and forty-sixth governor to serve New Jersey, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 26, 1867. His education was attained at the Selleck School in Connecticut, and then at Columbia University, where he earned a law degree in 1887. After establishing his legal career, Fielder entered into politics. He served as a member of the New Jersey House of Representatives from 1903 to 1905; was a member of the New Jersey State Senate from 1907 to 1913; and served as senate president in 1913. On March 1, 1913 Governor Woodrow Wilson resigned from office, and Fielder, who was senate president at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. He served in this capacity until October 28, 1913, after which Leon R. Taylor succeeded him. Fielder was elected to a gubernatorial term of his own on November 4, 1913. During his tenure, an industrial employee health act was sanctioned; a bank stock bill was authorized; an improved pure food law was enacted; and the state's jury system was advanced. After leaving the governorship, Fielder served during World War I, as the state food administrator. He later secured an appointment to serve on the bench of the New Jersey Chancery Court, a position he held from 1919 to 1946. Governor James F. Fielder passed away on December 2, 1954, and was buried in the Fairmont Mausoleum in Newark, New Jersey.

Sources:

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.

New Jersey State Library (pdf)

The Political Graveyard