William F. Packer (1858-1861)
William F. Packer served as the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1858 to 1861. He was born in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on April 2, 1807, and was raised on his family's farm. After completing his education, he studied law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1828. He then began practicing law in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, where he became known for his skill as a trial lawyer.
Packer's political career began in the Pennsylvania state legislature, where he served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1836 to 1840. He was then elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he served from 1843 to 1845. Packer was a member of the Democratic Party, and he was known for his support of states' rights
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He won the election and was inaugurated as governor on January 19, 1858. During his tenure as governor, Packer focused on promoting economic development and infrastructure improvements. He supported the construction of new roads and canals, which helped to improve transportation and increase trade in the state. He also worked to improve the state's public education system and supported the establishment of new schools and universities.
One of Packer's most significant accomplishments as governor was the establishment of the Pennsylvania Agricultural College, which would later become Penn State University. Packer signed the legislation that created the college in 1855, and he worked to secure funding for its construction and operation. The college was the first agricultural college in the United States, and it played an important role in promoting agricultural education and research.
Packer was also a strong proponent of religious freedom and worked to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pennsylvania. He supported legislation that allowed Catholics and other religious minorities to establish their own schools and institutions, and he worked to prevent discrimination against these