James H. Britton

For other people named James Britton, see James Britton (disambiguation).
James H. Britton
23rd Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri
In office
May 29, 1875 – February 9, 1876
Preceded by Arthur Barret
Succeeded by Henry Overstolz
Personal details
Born (1817-07-11)July 11, 1817
Shenandoah County, Virginia
Died January 27, 1900(1900-01-27) (aged 82)
Ardsley, New York
Political party Democratic

James H. Britton (July 11, 1817 – January 27, 1900) was the 23rd mayor of St. Louis, Missouri.

Britton was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia on July 11, 1817. In 1840, Britton moved to Troy, Missouri where he opened a general store. He first became involved in Missouri politics when he became Secretary of the Senate of the Missouri Legislature in 1848. Between 1852 and 1856, he served as a representative of Lincoln County in the State Legislature. Afterwards, he took the position of Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives. He would later serve as the Treasurer of Lincoln County and Postmaster of Troy.[1]

Britton moved to St. Louis in 1857 and took a job as a cashier at Southern Bank and, seven years later, became the bank's president. A few years later, Britton was named president of the National Bank of the State of Missouri.[1]

Following mayor Arthur Barret's sudden death in 1875, Britton ran for mayor and was nominated by the Democratic party on May 10, 1875. In the special mayoral election held five days later on May 15, Britton defeated his opponent Henry Overstolz.[1] However, two days later, Overstolz decided to contest the election alleging ballot stuffing amongst other things.[2] Several months later, the ballots were recounted and on February 9, 1876, Britton was unseated and Overstolz was declared mayor. Britton had lost by 77 votes out of more than 29,000 votes cast.[1]

During the nine months that Britton served as mayor, many sewer districts were created and building inspections were mandated for new construction.[1]

Britton died January 27, 1900 in Ardsley, New York and is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "St. Louis Mayors: James H. Britton". St. Louis Public Library. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
  2. ↑ "The Mayorality". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. 1875-11-05. Retrieved 2008-08-25.
  3. ↑ "James H. Britton (1817–1900)". Find A Grave. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
Political offices
Preceded by
Arthur Barret		 Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri
1875–1876 		Succeeded by
Henry Overstolz
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