Florida. Governor (1853-1857 : Broome)

James Emilius Broome was born in Hamburg, South Carolina in 1808. After receiving a limited education, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 1837. He was in the mercantile business and the owner of one of the largest plantations in Florida. Broome was appointed Judge of Probate Court of Leon County, Florida Territory in 1843 and remained in office after Florida became a state, resigning in 1848.

As a Democrat, Broome was elected Governor in 1852. During his administration, he vetoed more legislative actions than his two preceding chief executives. The majority of his vetoes were sustained by the State Legislature. Broome was an ardent supporter of states' rights and advocated secession if necessary to secure those rights. After leaving office in 1857, Broome remained active in politics, serving in the Florida Senate from 1861-1865. In 1865, Broome moved to New York City where he resided the rest of his life. He died in 1883 in DeLand, Florida while visiting his son.