Silas Wright, Jr. (May 24, 1795 – August 27, 1847) was an American attorney and Democratic politician. A member of the Albany Regency, he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, New York State Comptroller, United States Senator, and the 14th Governor of New York State.
1795
Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, Silas and his family moved to Weybridge, Vermont, shortly thereafter.
1815
Graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, and then studied law in Hudson Falls, New York.
1819
Moved to Canton and set up practice as the first lawyer in the village. Silas was held in high regard locally, and soon held many local offices, including justice, commissioner of deeds, postmaster, and surrogate.
1823
Elected State Senator representing Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties. The vote for Silas Wright in Canton was 199 to one. It is reported that most local people thought that the one opposing vote was cast by Silas himself.
1827-1829
Elected to and served in U.S. House of Representatives.
1829-1833
Appointed and served as State Comptroller. Led the “Albany Regency” while its leader, Martin Van Buren, served as U.S. Secretary of State. Opposed expansion of Erie Canal System.
1833
Married Clarissa Moody.
1833-1844
Served as U.S. Senator. “Lieutenant” of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. Advocated an indepoendent federal treasury and opposed the extension of slavery into new states.
1844
Declined both President Tyler’s offer of an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court and the Democratic nomination to run for Vice President with the Presidential nominee James K. Polk.
1844-1846
Elected and served as Governor of New York. Ran again in 1846, but lost to John Young.
1846
Returned to Canton to pursue a favorite pastime, “practical agriculture.”
1847
Died of a heart attack at the age of 52. At the time of his death, Silas Wright was considered a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 1848.
