1829 Vermont Gubernatorial Election: Samuel C. Crafts Secures Victory
The 1829 Vermont gubernatorial election, held on September 1, 1829, served as a pivotal moment in the state's early political landscape. The election resulted in the victory of Samuel C. Crafts, who was elected to a one-year term as governor. This period was characterized by shifting party loyalties and the emergence of new political movements that challenged the established order.
Following the vote, the Vermont General Assembly convened in Montpelier on October 8. To ensure the accuracy of the results, the Vermont House of Representatives appointed a specialized committee to review the votes cast by the freemen of Vermont. This committee was tasked with certifying the winners for the roles of governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, and members of the governor's council.
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Key Facts
- Election Date: September 1, 1829.
- Winner: Samuel C. Crafts (National Republican).
- Winning Vote: 14,325 votes (55.8%).
- New Political Entry: The Anti-Masonic Party fielded its first candidate, Heman Allen.
- Treasurer's Milestone: Benjamin Swan won his 30th term as treasurer.
The Gubernatorial Race and Party Dynamics
The race for governor featured three primary candidates representing distinct political factions. Samuel C. Crafts, running as a National Republican, secured a decisive victory. His opponent, Heman Allen, represented the newly formed Anti-Masonic Party—a movement born out of opposition to the perceived secrecy and influence of Freemasonry. Notably, Allen had not explicitly stated whether he personally identified with the party's platform.
The third candidate, Joel Doolittle, ran as a Jacksonian, representing the supporters of Andrew Jackson. While Crafts dominated the popular vote, the county results showed varying levels of support, with Crafts seeing his strongest performance in areas where he captured 70–80% of the vote, while Allen found more success in specific regions where he reached 70–80% support.
| Nominee | Party | Popular Vote | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel C. Crafts | National Republican | 14,325 | 55.8% |
| Heman Allen | Anti-Masonic | 7,346 | 28.6% |
| Joel Doolittle | Jacksonian | 3,973 | 15.5% |
Other State Executive Results
Lieutenant Governor
In the race for lieutenant governor, the review committee determined that Henry Olin, a Democratic-Republican, had won election to his third one-year term. According to contemporary newspaper reports, Olin won by a landslide, receiving 19,740 votes (81.5%) compared to Lyman Fitch's 4,481 votes (18.5%).
State Treasurer
The election for treasurer saw a remarkable display of continuity. Benjamin Swan won election to a one-year term, marking his thirtieth time in the office. Although Swan had nominally been a Federalist (a member of the party led by Alexander Hamilton), he was typically endorsed by the Democratic-Republicans. Even after the Federalist Party ceased to be a major force, Swan remained frequently unopposed. He secured 15,631 votes (99.9%), with only 10 votes (0.1%) scattered among other candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1829 Vermont gubernatorial election?
Samuel C. Crafts won the election, representing the National Republican party, with 55.8% of the popular vote.
What was significant about Heman Allen's candidacy?
Heman Allen was the first candidate fielded by the Anti-Masonic Party in a Vermont gubernatorial election, although he did not explicitly confirm his alignment with the party's platform.
How many terms did Benjamin Swan serve as treasurer?
Benjamin Swan was elected to his thirtieth one-year term as treasurer in the 1829 election.
Who was elected as lieutenant governor in 1829?
Henry Olin, a Democratic-Republican, was elected to his third one-year term as lieutenant governor.
How were the election results officially verified?
The Vermont House of Representatives appointed a committee to review the votes of the freemen of Vermont, and the results were determined during the General Assembly meeting in Montpelier on October 8.