Virginia. Governor (1898-1902 : Tyler)

James Hoge Tyler was born in Caroline County, Virginia on 11 August 1846. He was a member of the Virginia State Senate (1877), lieutenant governor of Virginia (1889), and governor of Virginia (1898-1902). He died on 3 January 1925.

From the description of Papers, 1898-1902. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122539170

Governor James Hoge Tyler was the son of George and Eliza (Hoge) Tyler and was born in Caroline County on 11 August 1846. Hoge studied at Edge Hill Academy and at Minor's Academy with the intent of enrolling at the University of Virginia. In 1863, however, he left school and joined the Confederate Army. He served as a private until the end of the war in 1865, fighting mainly in Southwest Virginia. After the war, Hoge returned to his home in Pulaski County to begin life as a farmer.

Tyler's interest in politics began in the early 1870's when he was elected President of the Pulaski Farmers' Club. In the spring of 1873, he ran for the 39th senatorial seat of Virginia which included the counties of Pulaski, Giles, Bland and Tazewell. In September, however, he withdrew his name from contention after facing overwhelming opposition. Tyler would again run for political office in 1877 and was elected in November as a Democratic conservative to the Virginia Senate. In 1889, he ran for Governor of Virginia but failed to receive the Democratic nomination. As a consolation, he was placed on the ballot as lieutenant governor and served in that position from 1890 to 1894. Finally, in 1897, he was elected Virginia's 43rd Governor.

Tyler took office 1 January 1898. His four years in office were focused on creating a honest and efficient government which included creating a healthy state economy. During his term, Tyler met all the states expense needs and actually left the state's treasury with a $800,000 surplus upon leaving office. Other highlights of his term included the creation of a State Board of Fisheries to monitor the oyster and fish industry, the resolving of the Virginia-Tennessee boarder dispute, and the creation of a conditional pardon system. Tyler left office 1 January 1902 and returned to his home in Pulaski County. He died 3 January 1925.

From the guide to the Executive Papers of Governor James Hoge Tyler, 1860-1901 (bulk 1898-1901), (The Library of Virginia)