New Hampshire
Gov. Chester Bradley Jordan
- January 3, 1901 - January 1, 1903
- Republican
- October 15, 1839
- August 24, 1914
- New Hampshire
- Married Ida Rose Nutter; four children
About
CHESTER B. JORDAN, the fifty-seventh governor of New Hampshire, was born in Colebrook, New Hampshire on October 15, 1839. His education was attained at Colebrook Academy, and later he attended Kimball Union Academy, graduating in 1866. He became the owner of the Coos Republican in 1870, where he wrote several of the political and historical pieces for the paper. Jordan also taught school for several years, as well as serving as principal and superintendent of schools for Colebrook. After studying law, Jordan was admitted to the bar in 1875, and then went on to establish his legal career. In 1868 he started his career as a public servant, serving as the Coos County Court clerk. He also served on Governor Straw’s staff from 1872 to 1873; was a member and speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1880 to 1882; and served as a member and president of the New Hampshire State Senate from 1896 to 1898. Jordan next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1900. During his tenure, the state deficit was reduced; the state’s court system was restructured with ten new judicial appointments; and a boundary issue between New Hampshire and Massachusetts was settled. After completing his term, Jordan retired from political office. He stayed active in his legal practice, as well as becoming involved in the banking industry, and with the preservation of the state’s historical records. Governor Chester B. Jordan passed away on August 24, 1914 in Lancaster, 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.
