The life of James H. Peabody was a series of unusual circumstances, events and achievements. Even his birth was unique as he was the youngest of 17 children!
James Hamilton Peabody was born on August 21, 1852, in Orange County, Vermont, where his family raised crops and children. James attended school in Vermont, and later furthered his education at the Bryant and Stratton Commercial Colleges at Barre and Burlington, Vermont.
His father moved to Pueblo, Colorado, in 1871 and established the dry goods firm of Peabody & Jordan. James followed him after receiving his business college education in 1872, and worked for three years keeping the books. Early in 1875, he went to work for James Clelland in Clelland's general mercantile store in Canon City, Colorado. He worked his way up to become manager and then a partner of the firm. In 1882, he purchased the business and operated it until 1885, when he was elected county clerk. He defeated the incumbent who had held the post for 18 years. On March 19, 1878, he married Frances Lillian Clelland. They had four children, James, Clellan, Cora May and Jessie Anne.
In his fourth year as county clerk, he joined several other men in organizing the First National Bank of Canon City. In 1891, he was elected president of the bank. He also continued his public service by serving two years as city treasurer and two years as alderman. He was an organizer of the Canon City Water Works Company, and for many years was its secretary and treasurer. He also assisted in forming the Electric Light Company of Canon City and was its first president.
Through his business and civic connections, Peabody became widely known throughout the state. Being active in Republican Party politics, he was nominated for governor in 1902.He was elected based on his law and order platform. However, his administration was marked by widespread labor troubles. Miners' wages and recognition of labor unions were the primary contentious issues. These troubles extended from the metal mines in Clear Creek, Cripple Creek and Telluride to the coal fields of Las Animas County. Striving to settle the numerous strikes and to keep the peace, Peabody ordered out the Colorado National Guard whenever he found it necessary. As a result, Peabody's first administration proved to be two of the most turbulent years in state history.
Peabody ran again for a second term in 1904 against Democrat, Alva Adams. The slogan for the Democrats was "Anybody but Peabody!" Adams criticized Peabody's handling of the Cripple Creek and other strikes and promised that he would do a better job of ending the industrial warfare. Despite Adams' apparent victory, the Republicans who controlled the legislature, insisted that fraud and corruption had dominated the balloting process in certain counties. Apparently, however, both parties had used methods that prevented a fair election. Since the legislature was charged with deciding contested seats, the Republicans prevailed and voted to unseat Governor Adams. Peabody was then pronounced the winner upon condition that he resign immediately after taking the oath of office. The governor's chair was then handed over to the Republican Lieutenant Governor, Jesse F. McDonald. Colorado thus had the dubious distinction of having three different governors in one day.
Following the election, Peabody returned to his home in Canon City where he retired to private life, devoting his time to caring for his various financial interests. He died November 23, 1917 and is buried in Canon City
The information above is from the Colorado Archives.
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