John W. Dana

John W. Dana (June 21, 1808 - December 22, 1867) was an American politician and a former Governor of Maine.

Early life

Dana was born in Fryeburg, Maine on June 21, 1808. He studied in local schools and at the Fryeburg Academy. He started his career as a businessman.

Politics

Dana became a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1841 to 1842. He also served as a member of the Maine State Senate from 1843 to 1844. Later, he also became the president of the Maine State Senate.

Dana became the Governor of Maine on January 3, 1844 after Acting Governor David Dunn resigned from office. He served only that day. As president of the state senate, Dana filled an unexpired term. Hugh J. Anderson became the Governor of Maine on the same day.

In 1846, Dana was elected as the Governor of Maine. He was successful in his re-election bid in 1847 and 1848. During his term, anti-slavery measures were endorsed. William Moore was appointed to the State Senate. He left office on May 8, 1850.

Later years

After leaving office, Dana was later appointmented as minister to Bolivia. He held that position from 1853 to 1859. He was unsuccessful in his re-election bid in 1861. He then moved to South America. He contracted in Argentina and died on December 22, 1867.

Sources

* Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. "Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978". Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2