William Pennington

Who was William Pennington?

William Pennington was an American politician and lawyer, the Governor of New Jersey, and Speaker of the House during his one term in Congress.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1813 and then studied law with Theodore Frelinghuysen. He was admitted to the bar in 1817 and served as a clerk of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey from 1817 to 1826.

As a member of the Whig party, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1828, and then was elected Governor of New Jersey annually from 1837 to 1843. His tenure as governor was marked by the "Broad Seal War" controversy. Following a disputed election for Congressional Representatives in New Jersey, Pennington certified the election of five Whig candidates while five Democrats were certified by the Democratic Secretary of State. After a lengthy dispute, the Democrats were eventually seated.

He was appointed Governor of Minnesota Territory by President Millard Fillmore, but declined to accept the position.

He was elected as a Republican to the 36th Congress to represent New Jersey's 5th congressional district.