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CARLOS COOLIDGE was born in Windsor, Vermont. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1811 and studied law for two years, after which he practiced in his home town and became one of the first members of the Board of Bank Commissioners. He was elected State’s Attorney from 1831 to 1836 and served in the Vermont House of Representatives for a number of terms, some as Speaker. Because he did not receive a majority of the popular vote in the gubernatorial elections of 1848 and 1849, he was chosen governor by the legislature both times. During his administration, a Supreme Court and Circuit Court system was established, and a joint resolution was adopted favoring the annexation of Canada to the United States provided it would not disturb peaceful relations with Great Britain. After leaving office, Coolidge returned to the practice of law and was elected to the state Senate.

Sources:

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

The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 8. New York: James T. White & Company.

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