James Emilius Broome (December 15, 1808 – November 23, 1883) was an American politician who served as the third governor of Florida from 1853 to 1857.[1]

James Emilius Broome
3rd Governor of Florida
In office
October 3, 1853 – October 5, 1857
Preceded byThomas Brown
Succeeded byMadison S. Perry
Personal details
BornDecember 15, 1808
Hamburg, Aiken County, South Carolina, US
DiedNovember 23, 1883(1883-11-23) (aged 74)
DeLand, Florida, US
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Amelia Ann Dozier
Martha (Hawkins) Macon
Henrietta Ann Scott
Adelia Kinnier

Early life and career

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Broome was born in Hamburg, South Carolina and moved to Florida in 1837. He engaged in the mercantile business until he retired in 1841. In that same year, Governor Richard Keith Call appointed him to the position of Probate Judge of Leon County. He served in that position until 1848.

Political life

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He was elected governor in 1852. A Democrat, he took office on October 3, 1853.[2] He was an early States'-Righter. During his term, the Whig Party, the opposition to the Democrats at the time, controlled the Florida State Legislature. He vetoed so many of the bills that were passed by the legislature that he became known as the "Veto Governor". His gubernatorial stint ended on October 5, 1857. Broome served as a member of the Florida Senate in 1861. A large planter, he was very sympathetic to the Confederate cause.

Marriages

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James E. Broome was married five times. In 1865, he moved to New York City. On a visit with his son in DeLand, Florida, Broome died in 1883.

References

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  1. ^ "James Emilius Broome". National Governors Association. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
  2. ^ THE AMERICAN ALMANAC AND REPOSITORY OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE, FOR THE YEAR 1853. 1853. p. 280.
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Party political offices
Preceded by
William Bailey
Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida
1852
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Florida
October 3, 1853 – October 5, 1857
Succeeded by