Coles Bashford

Coles Bashford was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Arizona's at-large district during the late 19th century. An Independent, Bashford's political career was marked by significant events, including his earlier tenure as the fifth governor of Wisconsin and his involvement in the establishment of the Arizona Territory. His legislative career in the U.S. House of Representatives was brief, lasting from 1867 until 1869, but it followed a tumultuous political journey that included a bribery scandal in Wisconsin and a subsequent relocation to Arizona.

Early life and career

Coles Bashford was born on January 24, 1816, near Cold Spring in Putnam County, New York. He pursued his education at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, where he focused on the study of law. After completing his studies, he was admitted to the bar in 1842, marking the beginning of his legal career. Bashford's early professional life included a role as the District Attorney of Wayne County, New York, a position he held from 1847 until his resignation in 1850. Following this, he relocated to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he continued to build his career in law and politics.

In Wisconsin, Bashford's political involvement deepened when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1853 and 1854 as a member of the Whig Party, representing Winnebago County. His tenure in the Senate coincided with a period of significant political realignment in the United States, particularly around the contentious issue of abolition. As the Whig Party began to fracture over this issue, Bashford emerged as one of the founding members of the Republican Party, which was established in the mid-1850s as an anti-slavery political force.

Bashford's political ambitions culminated in his candidacy for the governorship of Wisconsin in 1855. Initially, he was declared the loser to the Democratic incumbent, William A. Barstow, by a narrow margin. However, Bashford contested the election results, claiming widespread fraud. Subsequent investigations revealed significant irregularities in the election process, including forged returns from non-existent precincts. Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, Bashford was quietly sworn in as governor in early 1856, while Barstow continued to hold a public inauguration. This unusual situation led to a legal battle that ultimately resulted in Bashford being recognized as the legitimate governor after a court ruling in his favor.

House tenure

Bashford's term as governor was marked by notable achievements, including the appointment of Wisconsin's first Black officeholder. However, his governorship was also marred by a bribery scandal involving the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company, which led to significant public outrage and ultimately forced him to flee Wisconsin. Following his departure, Bashford moved to the Arizona Territory in 1863, where he initially served as the first Attorney General from 1864 to 1866.

In 1867, Bashford was elected as a territorial delegate to the 40th United States Congress, representing Arizona's at-large district as an Independent. His congressional term lasted until March 3, 1869. During this period, he participated in the legislative process and contributed to discussions relevant to the newly formed territory. Although his time in Congress was relatively short, it was part of a broader effort to establish governance and legal frameworks in Arizona, which was still in its formative years as a U.S. territory.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bashford's legislative focus was likely influenced by his experiences in both Wisconsin and Arizona. As a member of Congress, he would have been involved in addressing issues pertinent to the development of the Arizona Territory, including land management, infrastructure, and relations with Indigenous populations. However, specific details regarding the bills he sponsored or the committees he served on during his time in office are not documented in the available records.

After concluding his term in Congress, Bashford continued to play a role in the governance of the Arizona Territory. He was appointed Secretary of State for the territory by President Ulysses S. Grant, a position he held in two separate terms, first in 1869 and again in 1873. His involvement in territorial governance reflected his ongoing commitment to the political development of Arizona.

In addition to his political career, Bashford was also engaged in business, operating the Bashford Mercantile Store in Prescott, Arizona, alongside his brother Levi. This venture contributed to the local economy and served as a significant establishment in the area until the mid-20th century.

Coles Bashford passed away on April 25, 1878, in Prescott, Arizona. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California. Throughout his life, he was married to Frances Adams, and together they had seven children. Bashford's legacy includes his contributions to both Wisconsin and Arizona's political landscapes, as well as his role in the early development of the Republican Party. His life reflects the complexities of American politics during a transformative period in the nation's history.