John W. Griggs
John William Griggs | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Near Newton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | 28 November 1927 (aged 78) Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, Politician |
| Years active | 1871–1927 |
| Known for | 29th Governor of New Jersey; 43rd United States Attorney General |
John William Griggs (July 10, 1849 – November 28, 1927) was an American attorney and Republican figure who held office as the 29th Governor of New Jersey from 1896 to 1898 and later served as the 43rd United States Attorney General between 1898 and 1901.
During his governorship, Griggs gained recognition for championing the rights of impoverished laborers during industrial disputes and promoting civil liberties for African Americans.
Early life
Griggs was born on July 10, 1849, on a family farm near Newton, New Jersey, descending from a farming lineage established in New Jersey since 1733.
He pursued his education at the Collegiate Institute in Newton before enrolling at Lafayette College in 1864. Although he participated in a protest opposing the prohibition of fraternities as a member of Theta Delta Chi, he successfully graduated in 1868. Returning to Newton, Griggs undertook legal studies under Robert Hamilton for three years, subsequently completing his apprenticeship with Socrates Tuttle in Paterson, New Jersey. Tuttle, a notable Republican and future mayor of Paterson, mentored both Griggs and Garret Hobart—who later became Tuttle’s son-in-law and political associate.
Griggs earned his law license in November 1871. After practicing solo for two years, he formed a partnership with Tuttle and by 1879 had developed a significant clientele. Future New Jersey Attorney General Robert H. McCarter praised Griggs for his outstanding negotiation abilities and skill in resolving intricate legal disputes.
State politics (1875–96)
Griggs launched his political journey in 1875 as a Republican contender for the New Jersey General Assembly representing Paterson, narrowly defeating the Democratic incumbent with 51.9% of the vote, becoming the Assembly’s youngest member at age 26. Despite his youthfulness, he contributed to various committees and played a role in drafting election legislation following recent constitutional amendments. He secured re-election in 1876 but was defeated in the Democratic-favored election year of 1877.
Following his legislative tenure, Griggs concentrated on his law career and public service roles. Between 1878 and 1879, he served as legal counsel to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and from 1879 until 1882 acted as city counsel for Paterson.
In 1882, Griggs succeeded Garret Hobart as State Senator by narrowly winning against judge James Inglis Jr. Over six years, he chaired eight committees, including those on Railroads, Canals and Turnpikes and Revision and Amendment of the Laws. His significant achievement was leading a joint committee on corporate taxation in 1884 that amended Governor Leon Abbett's original proposal into a more moderate bill which became law and endured judicial scrutiny. Although Griggs sought the Senate Presidency in 1885, he was defeated by Abraham V. Schenck, but succeeded him the following year in 1886, enhancing his prominence statewide.
At the 1888 Republican National Convention, Griggs served as a delegate-at-large backing New Jersey’s favorite son William Walter Phelps. After Benjamin Harrison won the presidential nomination, Griggs nominated Phelps for Vice President; Phelps ultimately placed second behind Levi P. Morton.
Despite aspiring to secure the gubernatorial nomination in 1889 based on his tax reform efforts, Griggs did not garner sufficient backing. In 1892, President Harrison considered him for appointment to the Supreme Court to replace fellow New Jerseyan Joseph P. Bradley, but despite advocacy on his behalf, the nomination was awarded to George Shiras Jr..
1895 election
During the 1895 gubernatorial race, Griggs vigorously sought the Republican nomination, ultimately securing it on the third ballot over Representative John Kean.
His campaign platform centered on principles of "honesty, retrenchment, and reform." He charged the Democratic Party and their candidate Alexander T. McGill with over a decade of corruption and electoral fraud, while condemning Democratic-backed initiatives like the Coal Combine legislation and the legalization of racetrack gambling. Although he largely avoided national policy debates, Griggs opposed free silver, free trade, and Chinese immigration. The prevailing discontent with Democrats in New Jersey, coupled with their opposition to the gold standard on a national scale, played a significant role in Griggs's commanding win. His election marked the first Republican governorship since Marcus Lawrence Ward in 1865 and initiated a streak of five successive Republican victories in the state.
Term in office
Griggs took office at Taylor's Opera House on June 21, 1896. In his inaugural address, he called for restrained legislative activity, particularly criticizing the increasing trend of municipal incorporations. He advocated reforms aimed at safeguarding citizens from trolley-related accidents and urban sewage contamination. Furthermore, he urged the removal of political influence from charitable and correctional institutions. Early in his administration, Griggs dismissed numerous Democratic officeholders, including longtime Secretary of State Henry C. Kelsey and Attorney General John P. Stockton. He also supported measures to abolish courts of common pleas and to reduce compensation for county judges. Additionally, he enacted legislation focused on improving safety at grade crossings in Newark and Jersey City and curbing water pollution.
U.S. Attorney General (1898–1901)
In 1898, President William McKinley appointed Griggs as U.S. Attorney General upon Vice President Hobart’s recommendation. A dedicated supporter of McKinley’s administration, Griggs notably presented arguments in the Insular Cases before the Supreme Court, which established the constitutional framework for territories acquired after the Spanish–American War. He endorsed McKinley’s imperialist policies and traveled with McKinley and Hobart to Cuba to visit Theodore Roosevelt following the Battle of San Juan Hill. After McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Griggs resigned his cabinet position. Later that year, he was considered for a Senate appointment but was ultimately passed over in favor of John F. Dryden.
Return to private life
From 1901 to 1912, Griggs served as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. He founded the New York City corporate law firm Griggs, Dill and Harding. In 1902, he joined the board of directors for Consolidated National Bank of New York alongside prominent figures such as Henry C. Brewster and George Crocker. By 1905, Griggs became president of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America and maintained that position until its transformation into the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1919, where he continued as director and general counsel until his passing.
Personal life and death
Griggs married twice: first to Carolyn Webster Brandt in 1874 and later to Laura Elizabeth Price in 1893, fathering seven children in total.
His niece, Elizabeth Alden Curtis Holman, gained recognition for successfully contesting forced institutionalization in a landmark 1914 federal court case.
Between 1894 and 1900, Griggs served as a trustee for Lafayette College, his alma mater.
He passed away on November 28, 1927, in Paterson, New Jersey, and was laid to rest at Cedar Lawn Cemetery.
Honors
In recognition of his legacy, a street in Teaneck, New Jersey, bears the name Griggs Avenue.