Governor Theodore Fitz Randolph

Theodore F. Randolph was born in Mansfield, Tioga County, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1826. His education was attained in the common schools of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Before entering into politics, Randolph worked in the iron and coal business in both New Jersey and Mississippi. He also worked in the railroad industry and eventually became president of the Morris and Essex Railroad. Randolph first entered politics as a member of the New Jersey House of Representatives, a position he held in 1859. He served as a member of the New Jersey State Senate from 1862 to 1863, and was a major contributor in setting up the state comptroller’s office in 1865. Randolph next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 3, 1868. During his tenure, the state prison system was restructured; anti election bribery laws were sanctioned; a railroad monopoly tax was eliminated; and a new mental asylum was established in Morristown. After leaving the governorship, Randolph continued to stay politically active. In 1875 he won election to the U.S. Senate, an office he held six years. Governor Theodore F. Randolph passed away on November 7, 1883, and was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Morristown, New Jersey.