Governor Charles Albert Busiel

CHARLES A. BUSIEL, the fifty-fourth governor of New Hampshire, was born in Meredith Village, New Hampshire on November 24, 1842. His education was attained at the Gilford Academy and in the public schools of his native state. He went to work in the family’s hosiery mill, and eventually established his own successful hosiery manufacturing company. He also expanded his business interests with holdings in the railroad, banking and publishing industries. Busiel first entered politics as a Democratic member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, a position he held from 1878 to 1879. He also served as a delegate to the 1880 Democratic National Convention. Busiel became disillusioned with the Democrats’ stand on the protective tariff issue, and consequently switched his political affiliation. As a Republican, he was elected mayor of Laconia in 1892 and 1893. He next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1894. During his tenure, sound financial programs were initiated in an effort to counter the state’s declining economy. Also, electric trolley service was promoted, as well as the expansion of railroad service. After completing his term, Busiel ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. Governor Charles A. Busiel passed away on August 29, 1901, and was entombed in the Union Cemetery Mausoleum in Laconia, New Hampshire.