WILLIAM G. CROSBY, the twenty-third governor of Maine, was born in Belfast, Maine on September 10, 1805. His education was attained at Belfast Academy, and at Bowdoin College, where he graduated in 1823. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and then established successful practices in Boston, Massachusetts and in Belfast, Maine. Crosby entered politics in 1844, serving as a delegate to the Whig National Convention that nominated Henry Clay for president. In 1852, Crosby won the Whig gubernatorial nomination. However, no candidate attained a vote plurality in the general election. The Legislature then declared Crosby as the legal governor. He was reelected to a second term in 1853. During his tenure, the state continued to grow and flourish under his leadership. After completing his term, Crosby left office on January 3, 1855, and retired from political life. He stayed active, serving as a trustee for Bowdoin College, as well as serving as a member of the Maine Historical Society. Governor William G. Crosby, who authored Political Illustrations of the Athenaeum Gallery, passed away on March 21, 1881. He was buried at the Grove Cemetery in Belfast, Maine.
Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.
