Arthur Seligman (June 14, 1871 – September 25, 1933) was an American businessman and politician. He served in several offices in

New Mexico ) , population_demonym = New Mexican ( es, Neomexicano, Neomejicano, Nuevo Mexicano) , seat = Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe , LargestCity = Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque , LargestMetro = Albuquerque metropolitan area, Tiguex , Offi ...

, including mayor of Santa Fe and

governor A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political ...

Early life and education

Seligman was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, the son of Bernard and Frances Seligman. In 1887, he graduated from the

Swarthmore College Swarthmore College ( , ) is a private liberal arts college in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1864, with its first classes held in 1869, Swarthmore is one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the United States. It was established as ...

Preparatory School, and in 1889 he graduated from Union Business College.

Career

After completing his education, Seligman became active in his family's business enterprises. He was also president of the Seligman Brothers mercantile firm (1903–1926), president of the La Fonda Building Corporation (1920–1926), president of the First National Bank (1924–1933); and auditor and board of directors member of the Northern New Mexico Loan Association. A Democrat, Seligman was heavily involved in New Mexico's politics throughout his life. His party leadership positions included: chairman of the Santa Fe Democratic County Central Committee (1895–1911), chairman of the territorial Democratic Committee (1895–1911), chairman of the state Democratic committee (1912–1922); and delegate to the

Democratic National Committee The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is the governing body of the United States Democratic Party. The committee coordinates strategy to support Democratic Party candidates throughout the country for local, state, and national office, as well ...

(1920–1933). Seligman was also involved in government at the local, county, and state levels throughout his career. He served as member of the state Irrigation Commission (1904–1906), member of the New Mexico Board of Equalization (1906–1908), chairman of Santa Fe County Commission (1910–1920); mayor of Santa Fe (1910–1912), and president of the state Educational Survey Commission (1921–1923). In

1930 Events January * January 15 – The Moon moves into its nearest point to Earth, called perigee, at the same time as its fullest phase of the Lunar Cycle. This is the closest moon distance at in recent history, and the next one will be ...

, Seligman was elected governor. He was reelected in 1932 and served from January 1, 1931 until his death.

Personal life

Seligman and Franc E. Harris (1867–1937) of Cleveland, Ohio were married on July 4, 1896. They were the parents of a son, Otis (1898–1943), and an adopted daughter, Ritchie Seligman (1888–1966). Seligman died in Santa Fe, and was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Santa Fe.

References

External resources

Arthur Seligman
at ''National Governors Association'' *

at ''Political Graveyard'' 1871 births 1933 deaths Democratic Party governors of New Mexico Jewish American state governors of the United States Jewish mayors of places in the United States Mayors of Santa Fe, New Mexico Jewish American people in New Mexico politics {{NewMexico-politician-stub